Developing standardized patient-based cases for communication training: lessons learned from training residents to...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation in Healthcare
• Communication Skills Training

Background:

• Standardized patient (SP) programs are vital for developing communication and interpersonal skills in health professions trainees.
• Effective case design is paramount for SP encounters to meet learning objectives focused on communication.
• Well-designed cases challenge learners to address complex patient encounters and their emotional contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a structured strategy for writing, organizing, and developing standardized patient-based cases.
• To offer suggestions for creating simulation cases that are both standardized and diverse.
• To guide educators in maximizing the value of SP cases for learning outcomes, particularly in diagnostic uncertainty.

Main Methods:

• Reflection on lessons learned in developing SP-based cases for communication training.
• Introduction of key steps and workflow processes for SP case design.
• Discussion of strategies to mitigate implicit biases and enhance patient diversity in cases.

Main Results:

• A framework for developing standardized and diverse SP simulation cases is presented.
• Methods to leverage SP emotional dispositions and the affective domain of clinical encounters are discussed.
• Emphasis on addressing diagnostic uncertainty and patient-centered communication.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach to SP case design is essential for effective health professions education.
• Incorporating diversity and addressing emotional contexts enhances simulation realism and learning.
• Careful case development optimizes the training of crucial communication skills for trainees.