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The effect of simulating on standardized patients
C A Woodward1, G Gliva-McConvey
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Standardized patients (SPs) find their role in medical education complex, requiring improvisation and feedback skills. This role enhances their communication, tolerance, and self-awareness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Healthcare Simulation
Background:
- The increasing utilization of standardized patients (SPs) in medical training and assessment has established SPs as a distinct professional group.
- The SP role is integral to modern medical pedagogy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted effects of the standardized patient role on individuals.
- To understand the lived experiences and perceived impacts of being an SP.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving five focus groups with randomly selected SPs.
- Content analysis of meeting transcripts, with data validation by SPs to ensure trustworthiness.
Main Results:
- 37 out of 59 (63%) invited SPs participated.
- SPs described their role as complex, involving improvisation and learner performance monitoring for feedback.
- Participants reported enhanced communication skills, increased tolerance, a more balanced view of health professionals, and greater self-understanding through exploring reactions in novel situations.
Conclusions:
- The SP role significantly impacts participants' lives in various ways.
- Recommendations include increased attention to SP selection and debriefing processes.