Faculty Development for Small-Group-Teaching with Simulated Patients (SP) - Design and Evaluation of a...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Didactic Training
• Innovative Teaching Methods

Background:

• Effective teaching in medical education requires specialized training for new formats.
• Simulated patients are a complex tool necessitating teacher preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a skills-based workshop for teaching with simulated patients.
• To identify essential components for the workshop's lasting impact and adaptability.

Main Methods:

• A 7.5-hour skills-based workshop was developed and implemented.
• Evaluation involved questionnaires assessing participant preparedness immediately post-workshop and after subsequent teaching experience.

Main Results:

• 27 workshops were conducted with 275 participants over three years.
• 452 questionnaires evaluated training quality, showing participants appreciated the concept and felt prepared.
• Long-term positive results were observed regarding innovative teaching methods.

Conclusions:

• The workshop concept is well-received and enhances educators' preparedness for using simulated patients.
• Despite being a self-assessment, results suggest a one-day workshop can yield lasting benefits for innovative teaching.