With the rapid development of large language models and related technologies, various forms of patient modeling have emerged, including virtual patients, synthetic patients, artificial intelligence patients, and digital twin patients. Although these forms all share the core objective of patient simulation, they exhibit significant differences in theoretical ontology, data sources, modeling logic, and application orientation. Based on the abstraction levels of simulation objects and system mapping logic, this study systematically compares five paradigms—standardized patients, virtual patients, synthetic patients, AI patients, and digital twin patients—to clarify their conceptual boundaries and technical positioning. The findings indicate that these paradigms represent distinct modeling pathways: behavioral reproduction, scenario simulation, data generation, cognitive interaction, and individual system mapping, respectively. By constructing a multidimensional comparative framework, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the conceptual standardization of patient modeling and the strategic deployment of intelligent healthcare systems.
Objective This study applies a realist synthesis approach to analyze the context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations of psychological resilience interventions for people living with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to explore the applicability and activation pathways of interventions across different contexts, and to construct an actionable conceptual framework to guide personalized intervention design. Methods According to the RAMESES reporting guidelines, a five-stage realist synthesis approach was adopted. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, CBM, WanFang Data, VIP, and CNKI databases were electronically searched from the inception to July 1, 2025. Two researchers independently screened studies and assessed quality by relevance and rigor. Intervention elements were extracted to build and refine CMO configurations through stakeholder feedback, forming the final theory. Results A total of 32 studies were included. Four key intervention mechanisms were identified: cognitive-behavioral approaches, social support, self-efficacy enhancement, and strength-based positive psychology. The findings highlight that intervention effectiveness depended on context alignment and mechanism activation. Single mechanisms may be less effective in resource-limited or high-stress settings. Conclusion Psychological resilience interventions for HIV/AIDS patients should be context-specific, combining mechanisms in tailored ways to improve relevance and impact
