Cited by 100Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and EducationArtificial Intelligence in EducationInnovations in Medical Education

The impact of generative AI on health professional education: A systematic review in the context of student learning

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Pham, Thai Duong, Karunaratne, Nilushi, Exintaris, Betty, Liu, Danny, Lay, Travis, Yuriev, Elizabeth, Lim, Angelina·2025·Medical Education

Abstract

Background: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly integrated into health professions education (HPE), offering new opportunities for student learning. However, current research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how HPE students actually use GenAI in practice. Laurillard's Conversational Framework outlines six learning types— acquisition, inquiry, practice, production, discussion and collaboration —commonly used to categorise learning activities supported by conventional and digital technologies. Gaining insight into how GenAI aligns with these six learning types could assist HPE academics in integrating it more thoughtfully and effectively into teaching and learning. Purpose: This systematic review investigates how HPE students utilise GenAI and examines how these uses align with Laurillard's six learning types compared to conventional and digital technologies. Material and Methods: A systematic review searching five major databases— ERIC, Education Database, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Scopus including articles on HPE students' use of GenAI until 15th September 2024. Studies were included if they were conducted within formal HPE training programs in HPE and specifically mentioned how students interact with GenAI. Data were mapped to the six learning modes of the Laurillard's Framework. Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results: Thirty‐three studies met inclusion criteria. GenAI supported learning most frequently in practice (73%), inquiry (70%), production (67%) and acquisition (55%). These studies highlight GenAI's varied educational applications, from clarifying complex concepts to simulating clinical scenarios and generating practice materials. Discussion and collaboration were less represented (12% each), suggesting a shift toward more individualised learning with GenAI. The findings highlight benefits such as efficiency and accessibility, alongside concerns about critical thinking, academic integrity and reduced peer interaction. Conclusion: This review has provided insights into HPE students' learning aligned with Laurillard's existing six learning types. Although GenAI supports personalised and self‐directed learning, its role in collaborative modes is under‐explored.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Pham, T. D., Karunaratne, N., Exintaris, B., Liu, D., Lay, T., Yuriev, E., & Lim, A.
Affiliations
  • Monash University (AU)
  • The University of Sydney (AU)
  • Royal Children's Hospital (AU)
Corresponding author
Lim, Angelina
Venue
Medical Education
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2025-06-18
Volume
59
Issue
12
Pages
1280-1289
ISSN
  • 0308-0110 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2923
OpenAlex
W4411403091
Cited by
100
References
25
Citations by year
2026: 91 · 2025: 9
FWCI
5.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Medical Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Monash University
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Innovations in Medical Education
Keywords
generative AI, health professions education, student use of AI, inquiry-based learning, hands-on learning, production-based learning, cooperative learning, self-directed learning, clinical simulation, academic integrity, critical thinking
MeSH terms
Artificial Intelligence, Education, Medical, Health Occupations, Humans, Learning, Students, Health Occupations

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