Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Simulated patient and role play methodologies for communication skills training in an undergraduate medical program:
Silas Taylor1, Samantha Bobba2, Sophie Roome3
1UNSW Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia.
Background:
Educators utilize real patients, simulated patients (SP), and student role play (RP) in communication skills training (CST) in medical curricula. The chosen modality may depend more on resource availability than educational stage and student needs. In this study, we set out to determine whether an inexpensive volunteer SP program offered an educational advantage compared to RP for CST in preclinical medical students.
Methods:
Students and volunteer SPs participated in interactions across two courses. Students allocated to SP interactions in one course participated in RP in the other course and vice versa. Audio recordings of interactions were made, and these were rated against criterion descriptors in a modified Calgary-Cambridge Referenced Observation Guide.
Results:
Independent t-test scores comparing ratings of RP and SP groups revealed no significant differences between methodologies.
Discussion:
This study demonstrates that volunteer SPs are not superior to RP, when used in CST targeted at preclinical students. This finding is consistent with existing literature, yet we suggest that it is imperative to consider the broader purpose of CST and the needs of stakeholders. Consequently, it may be beneficial to use mixed methods of CST in medical programs.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Communication
Communication
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
Crossover Experiments
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.

