Integrating generative AI to strengthen counselling and communication in dietetic education
Olivia Wright, Shreyasi Baruah · 2025
This case study explores how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools were integrated into DIET7103: Interviewing and Counselling for Dietetics Practice to enhance student learning, clinical preparedness, and professional confidence. Guided by the TPACK framework and action research principles, three tools: Julia (AI voice-based client simulation), Notebook LM (AI podcast creator), and The Interviewing and Counselling (Tic) Bot (text-based counselling chatbot) were implemented to bridge theory and practice in communication and counselling. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed that AI tools empowered learning through realism, efficiency, and accessibility, but also introduced cognitive overload, variable engagement outcomes, and equity challenges. Students emphasised the need for structured support and sequential tool introduction. Findings highlight that thoughtful AI integration can enhance learning effectiveness and professional readiness in health education, provided human-centred values and scaffolding are maintained.