NWeLearn 2026

Training students for a career in a healthcare field requires interactions with patients. However, placing new students in front of human patients presents several challenges. Concise and empathetic communication skills, cultural competency, and self-efficacy are just some barriers that students face when attempting to communicate with patients. Engaging students in meta-patient interactions early in their training improves the skills that will ensure they are prepared to successfully interact with human patients. For the past year, with the support the students in the Community Health Worker program at Lower Columbia College, Mark has been able to utilize meta-patients to engage students in "real-world" interactions.