The longitudinal simulated patient program: evaluations by teachers and students and feasibility

Simulated patients (SPs) are mostly used in single-case encounters. However, for chronic care training longitudinal patient encounters are more suitable. Evaluations of students and teachers regarding a new, longitudinal SP program were explored and compared to the single-case SP program. Furthermore, the feasibility of the program was explored.

Year 3 students participating in the longitudinal SP program (N=272) had four encounters with the same SP portraying a chronic health problem in eight months. Student evaluations regarding the longitudinal SP program were assessed with a validated questionnaire (the MaSP) and both teachers and students completed another questionnaire on their views.

In general, students and teachers were positive about the longitudinal SP program. We found no differences between student evaluations regarding the longitudinal SP program and those regarding the single-case SP program. The longitudinal SP program appeared not to be feasible because of uncooperative faculty staff and the workload.

Students consider the longitudinal SP program as good as the single-case SP program. In its current form the longitudinal SP program appeared not to be feasible. Further research is needed in our search for an instructive, enjoyable and feasible SP program to teach students about continuity of care.