Using Students as Standardized Patients: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Standardized Patient Training Program

Abstract

BackgroundStandardized patients (SPs) are being used with increasing frequency in simulation-based learning experiences (SBLE) to enhance the complexity of scenarios, permit interaction with real patients, and provide students with an authentic real-world experience. However, the pool of available trained SPs may be insufficient or inadequately trained to meet the growing demand. MethodsThis project involved the development and implementation of an SP training at a school of nursing simulation center. Participants included 12 healthcare professions students and one community partner. Evaluation measures examined SP availability, utilization, and SP learner perceptions. ResultsThe total cost for training the new SPs was $1500. In the first five months of the program (September 2016 to January 2017), the newly trained SPs provided 730 hours of SP service. Service encompassed twenty different low-stakes SBLEs for 862 student encounters during this time period. Survey results indicated that participants were satisfied with the educational strategies and felt confident performing as an SP. ConclusionResults, while limited due to the convenience sample and small sample size, provide support for the utilization of innovative approaches for training novice SPs.