Using standardized patients allows the learners to practice their skills in a safe learning environment. The learner can put into practice the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and gain confidence as a health care professional.

All sessions are recorded, which allows the learner to self-evaluate and annotate their video and performance. The instructor can also annotate the video and provide effective feedback to the learner. The learner also receives the perspective of the patient, both verbally and written.

Learners can be assessed through a summative and/or formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which assess history gathering, physical exams, and communication skills along with clinical reasoning. Standardized patients are extensively trained to portray the case in the same manner for every encounter. All learners receive the same experience and are assessed using a standardized evaluation tool.

Standardized patients are used in the following areas:

• Ob/Gyn
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Family Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine
• Neurology
• Nurse Practitioners
• Nurses
• Physician Assistants
• Nutrition
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Social Work
• Health Care Administration
• Residents
• Fellows

Standardized patients are standardized so that each learner gets the same experience. They provide a safe environment for learners to practice their interviewing and physical exam skills. SPs are trained to provide feedback to the learner, verbally or in writing, from the patient’s perspective. Most learners consider this an invaluable opportunity to get the patient’s view of their communication or clinical skills.

What are the skills that can be practiced or assessed using standardized patients?

Skills addressed include both communication and physical exam skills:

Communication skills:

• History gathering skills
• Breaking bad news to adult patients
• Breaking bad news to parents with sick children
• Ethical issues
• Electronic health record
• Handling difficult conversations
• Communication skills

Physical exam skills:

• Physical examination skills – focused or complete
• Sensitive and invasive exams (gynecological)