Simulated participant methodology in paediatric surgical training: Exploring contemporary practices.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Communication Skills

Background:

• Surgical training is a lengthy and intricate process.
• Effective communication and person-centered competencies are vital in clinical practice and surgical training.
• Voice is fundamental to the patient-provider relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore contemporary simulated participant (SP) practices in health professional education.
• To focus on the application of SP methodology within pediatric surgery training.
• To examine the use of children and adolescents as SPs for developing and assessing communication skills, particularly 'voice'.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary simulated participant (SP) methodology in health professional education.
• Focus on the specific application and considerations of using children and adolescents as SPs.
• Exploration of SP practices within the context of pediatric surgery training.

Main Results:

• Simulated participant (SP) methodology has evolved significantly.
• SPs commonly portray parents in pediatric settings.
• Children and adolescents are increasingly utilized as SPs to address complex communication aspects like 'voice'.

Conclusions:

• The use of children and adolescents as simulated participants (SPs) presents unique challenges and considerations in surgical training.
• These SP roles are crucial for developing and assessing essential communication skills, especially 'voice', in healthcare professionals.
• Contemporary SP practices offer valuable insights for enhancing pediatric surgery training.