AI Avatar-Delivered Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Induction: A Pilot Feasibility Study of Confidence and Acceptability

Journal article

BackgroundJunior doctors in otolaryngology (ENT) often start with varied prior experience, making effective induction essential. Artificial intelligence (AI) avatars are a novel method for delivering standardised educational content. This study evaluated whether an AI avatar-delivered ENT induction course could improve trainee confidence and explored participant perceptions.MethodsA modular online induction course was developed using AI-generated video avatars (HeyGen platform; HeyGen Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Thirty junior doctors at a tertiary hospital completed the course and rated their confidence in seven ENT skills before and after training on a 10-point Likert scale. Post-course surveys assessed clarity, willingness to use AI in the future, and comparisons with traditional teaching.ResultsAll 30 participants completed pre- and post-course assessments. Confidence improved significantly across all domains (e.g., identifying normal endoscopic anatomy: 3.3 → 7.6, pConclusionsAn AI avatar-delivered ENT induction course significantly improved self-reported confidence and was broadly acceptable, though not universally preferred. Most trainees perceived little difference in learning or retention compared with traditional teaching. These findings support AI avatars as a feasible adjunct for induction training, warranting further evaluation with larger, standardised cohorts and objective outcomes.

Authors: Siddique, H; Maweni, R

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: Cureus: Journal of Medical Science
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 10
• Pages: e94230
• Publication date: 2025-10-09
• Acceptance date: 2025-10-09
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94230
• EISSN: 2168-8184
• ISSN: 2168-8184
• Pmid: 41209936
• Language: English
• Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Avatars; Medical education; Induction Training; Trainee Confidence; Otolaryngology