The pillars of well-constructed simulated patient programs: A qualitative study with experienced educators

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Simulated Patient Methodology

Background:

• Simulated patients (SPs) are increasingly used in health professional education globally.
• There is a need for evidence-based best practices in SP methodology.
• This study explores how experienced SP educators support SPs in educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the methods used by experienced simulated patient educators.
• To identify key structural components for optimizing simulated patient programs.
• To understand how educators support simulated patients and learners.

Main Methods:

• Experienced SP educators were recruited through professional networks and publications.
• Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted.
• Inductive thematic analysis was performed by three independent researchers.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: managing SPs, selecting SPs, preparing SPs, and directing SP interactions.
• Specific subthemes revealed variations in approaches within these components.
• Educators focus on operationalizing programs, rigorous screening, scenario-specific preparation, and guiding interactions.

Conclusions:

• Experienced educators consistently described core structural components for SP programs.
• A framework is proposed to aid in designing high-quality SP programs.
• Further research is needed to evaluate and refine this framework and other evidence-based resources.