Simulated and Standardized Patients

Abstract The terms simulated patient and standardized patient (SP) are used to describe a person who has been trained to portray a patient with a healthcare problem or concern. They have been used for learning and assessment of simple and complex procedures, including medical procedures, interpersonal skills, and professionalism. SPs can take on a large spectrum of different roles; they can play a patient with simple or complex medical problems or a member of the family. They can also participate in rating the learners and providing them with feedback. SPs have also been involved in newer types of patient interactions, such as telephone encounters and computer-based encounters. Unannounced SPs can be sent to actual clinical practices or community settings to assess the skills of graduate trainees or practicing healthcare professionals, and the local procedures and work methods. Preparing for an encounter with SPs requires clearly articulated objectives, careful planning, and notable attention to detail; it involves SP recruitment, training, and rehearsal. Templates for the development of training materials can help in designing SP scenarios. Quality assurance of SP activities allows verification of appropriateness of the portrayal (both content and affect), enhances the skills of the patients through postportrayal feedback, and adds to the credibility of the program.