Abstract
Simulated patients (SPs) are involved widely in the support of health care education for communication and consultation skills teaching. This study aimed to explore SPs' perspectives of their role and contribution to health professions education. A qualitative approach was used. Twenty-two SPs (actor and non-actor) involved in teaching at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) participated in one of four focus groups, which were audiorecorded. Two focus groups involved professional actors (n = 7), and two focus groups involved non-actor SPs (n = 15). Transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis. The first theme 'Reward of Contribution' highlights how the SP role is situated in a position of mutual benefit for both SP and student. The second theme 'Multiple Personas' demonstrates the complexity of SP role portrayal. The third theme 'Culture and Communication' is a new finding and demonstrates the role SPs feel they have in helping to change the culture of health care practice. The fourth theme 'A touchy subject' addresses the preferences of SPs concerning involvement in both intimate and nonintimate physical examination. SPs believe they have an important role to play in health care education and they also learn from their involvement. SPs' perspectives need to be considered to ensure they feel supported in their role and that their unique insights remain beneficial for student learning.
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