Co-creation and expert evaluation of a trauma conversation simulator: developing an AI-based training tool to support trauma-informed peer dialogue

Background: Frontline and emergency workers are frequently exposed to traumatic events, yet many report feeling underprepared or emotionally unsafe when engaging in conversations about trauma with peers. Stigma, limited access to training, and the lack of psychologically safe communication tools contribute to this challenge. To address the gap, the Trauma Conversation Simulator (TCS) was developed to support practice in trauma-informed dialogue through an interactive, AI-powered platform.

Objective: This study aimed to design, develop, and conduct an expert evaluation of a digital TCS prototype that enables users to practise engaging in supportive trauma-related conversations, with the goal of improving communication confidence, empathy, and psychological safety.

Methods: The TCS was developed using a co-creation approach grounded in the MRC-NIHR Framework for Complex Interventions. Built on LangChain using GPT-4o-mini, the simulator offers branching peer conversation scenarios with reflective feedback across five key communication phases. A panel of mental health professionals (n = 5) assessed the prototype using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), System Usability Scale (SUS), and qualitative feedback. Experts evaluated the tool’s usability, emotional realism, trauma sensitivity, and clinical relevance.

Results: Mental health experts identified strong alignment with trauma-informed principles and psychological safety. The AI-generated dialogue was described as emotionally attuned and realistic. Recommendations for improvement included greater nuance in the supervisor agent’s feedback, better visual differentiation across pathways, and enhanced conversational flow. Revisions were implemented to improve prompt quality and user interface clarity. The simulator demonstrated potential for use in healthcare, emergency services, and peer-support contexts.

Conclusions: The TCS shows early promise as a reflective, scalable training tool to improve trauma-informed communication in psychologically demanding roles. It fosters skill development in empathy, regulation, and peer support. The next stage will involve participatory co-design and testing with individuals with lived experience of workplace trauma, ensuring the tool reflects real-world emotional needs and supports inclusive, context-sensitive development.