Simulated Patients

Abstract

I was interested to read the article "The Use of Paraprofessionals to Teach Interviewing Skills" by Stillman et al (Pediatrics 57:769, May 1976). Indeed, the use of "Programmed" or "simulated" patients has proven to be an important part of the birth of medical education as a science and a discipline, rather than its traditional place in the medical school, as a by-product of research and patient care. Those interested in this area, such as Dr. Stillman et al., should know, however, that for over ten years1,2 there has existed extensive experience, development, and literature on the use of simulated patients.