Misconceptions and the Evidence

Abstract

Many common misconceptions about simulated/ standardized patient (SP) methodology have emerged over the past few decades. While some of these ideas may appear to be humorous or benign, others can have an undesireable impact on a simulation session. Collected from the reports of a wide range of SP educators (SPEs) from around the world, we address these misperceptions in an evidence-based manner. Topics include authenticity, acting, general considerations for working with SPs, training, assessment, the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practice (SOBP) (Lewis et al., Adv Simul 2(1):10, 2017) and the role of SPEs. We draw on evidence and practice for clarifying these misunderstandings and provide strategies that can be shared with stakeholders such as faculty, other SPEs or SPs, to promote the implementation of SP methodology in a knowledgeable, safe and effective manner.