A team of researchers linked to the Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) network, led by faculty from the European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO), has published the results of the study titled Innovative Application of Chatbots in Clinical Nutrition Education: The E+DIEting_Lab Experience in University Students. The article, which addresses the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the training of health professionals, evaluates the efficacy of new digital tools in the academic environment.
The research was headed by Dr. Iñaki Elío Pascual, Academic Director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at UNEATLANTICO, with the collaboration of lecturers and researchers Eduardo García Villena and Kilian Tutusaus, among others. This work is framed within the lines of research promoted by FUNIBER through its university network, fostering technological innovation applied to health sciences.
The study focused on evaluating the E+DIEting_Lab platform, a chatbot-based system designed to simulate virtual patients and real clinical situations. The pilot phase took place between December 2023 and April 2025, with the participation of 475 university students from various European institutions. The main objective was to measure the educational impact, utility, and usability of this technology as a self-learning tool in the field of clinical nutrition.
The research findings suggest a significant advance in the students’ perception of competencies. According to the data collected, 79.7% of participants reported an effective update of their practical skills in clinical dietetics and communication. Likewise, 90% of those surveyed considered that the incorporation of these new digital tools substantially improved classroom practice, facilitating a learning environment that is more dynamic and adapted to current needs.
On the other hand, the results showed a statistically significant increase in the self-assessment of knowledge and skills following the use of the platform. The authors highlight that, although the initial perception regarding the efficacy of chatbots was high, the practical experience helped refine student expectations, consolidating a favorable view on the use of structured digital simulation in curricula.
This initiative underscores the commitment of FUNIBER and the European University of the Atlantic to educational excellence and digital transformation. The implementation of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, allows the network’s institutions to offer cutting-edge training, preparing future professionals to face the challenges of a constantly evolving healthcare sector.
FUNIBER continues to support the dissemination of scientific knowledge and access to quality higher education, facilitating training in key areas for social and professional development through its Scholarship Program.
If you would like to learn more about this study, please click here.
To read more research, please consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.