Implementation of standardized patient program using local resources in Avalon School of Medicine

The standardized Patient Program (SPP) is a standard educational training method which provides the pre-clinical students a better clinical foundation by linking the realm of clinical medicine to basic sciences. It incorporates a modern simulation technique and enhances the ability of the students wherein they can practice, apply and learn the basics of patient encounter. The main objective of this study was to analyze the implementation and efficiency of the SPP in Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM).

A quasi-experimental "before-and-after" study design was conducted among the 3rd Semester (MD3) medical students at AUSOM. 24 students voluntarily participated in the study. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated after comparing the summative examination scores before and after implementation of the SPP (graded in 100 points system). Mean scores were calculated and a comparison of the change in scores was made, using a paired t-test in Stata (ÓStata corp).

The mean final summative clinical skills examination scores of the students before and after the introduction of the SPP were 78.46 ± 6.62 (SEM: 1.35, range: 89-70) and 86.54±6.41 (SEM: 1.31, range: 98-65), respectively. There was a statistically significant increment (t=5.5058, p=0.0001) in the scores of the students after the introduction of the SPP.

Introduction and implementation of SPP at AUSOM at preclinical years increased the overall students' performance in clinical skills. It is necessary that medical schools implement SPP early in preclinical years to strengthen learning and inoculate necessary clinical skills in medical students.