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Evaluation of a framework for case development and simulated patient training for complex procedures
Stephen A Black1, Debra F Nestel, Emma J Horrocks
1Regional Vascular Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Actors can effectively portray patients in surgical simulations, enhancing training realism. A developed framework for simulated patient (SP) case development and training proved successful in complex procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Surgical Education
- Patient Actor Training
Background:
- Clinical simulation training often neglects the patient perspective.
- Actors were trained to portray patients in a high-fidelity simulated operating theater (SOT).
- Limited research exists on simulated patient (SP) case development and training approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the feasibility of SPs in complex surgical roles.
- Evaluate a three-phased framework for SP case development and training.
Main Methods:
- Developed two patient roles for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under local anesthesia.
- Trained SPs to simulate routine and crisis scenarios using a developed framework.
- Evaluated the framework through interviews, observations, and written feedback from SPs, surgeons, and the project team.
Main Results:
- Conducted 46 simulations with 23 surgeons and 3 SPs.
- SPs utilized authentic patient interview transcripts for realism.
- The SP framework was user-friendly, training was successful, and surgeons rated SP realism highly.
Conclusions:
- Actors can be trained to realistically portray patients in complex procedures.
- The developed framework for case development and SP training is effective.
- Further research can explore this framework for other surgical procedures.
