At UF CELS, we adhere to the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practice (SOBP). As such, we define Standardized Patients (SPs) in accordance with the 2017 ASPE SOBP;
The terms standardized patient (SP) refers to a person trained to portray a patient in realistic and repeatable ways. SPs interact with learners in experiential education and assessment contexts. Learners, depending on the context, are variously described as students, trainees, participants, examinees, or candidates. SPs can also provide feedback on learner performance from the perspective of the person they portray, which is unique to working with SPs.
SP-based education has grown in size and scope of practice to include many different roles, including part of the care team such as nurses, surgeons, pharmacists, etc. These toles are referred to as embedded participants.
The Role of the Standardized Patient
SPs at UF CELS are partially responsible for maintaining the fidelity of learning assessments at the UF Anaclerio Learning and Assessment Center, and representing patients in cases that are commonly seen in clinical practice. SP’s are specially and highly trained to consistently give case-accurate histories, portray realistic emotional responses, and sit for physical examinations when applicable. In order to provide consistency to learners, SPs prepare scripted cases based on patient profiles in advance and are trained on specific answers and prompts prior to participating in assessments. It is imperative that SPs adhere to the information provided in their training in order to maintain the fidelity of the assessments.
SPs can also provide feedback from their perspective, to the learner, which is a unique and integral part of working in human simulation.
Cases Portrayed by Standardized Patients
SPs can be asked to train on and perform a variety of cases. Some cases require a high level of emotion or pain to be portrayed or contain scenarios in which the patient is facing challenging situations that may be sensitive in nature. Some cases also require physical exams. Physical exams may include any or all components of a full head to toe exam, excluding sensitive and invasive exams and tests.
When participating in a physical exam, SPs must wear appropriate attire (a full coverage bra/sports bra and shorts with an elastic waist band). Gowns are provided.
Training is provided in advance for all case-based activities. Case training is mandatory; SPs are expected to be actively involved in all training sessions, to ask all questions they may have, and to voice any concerns they may have.
Desired Background
SPs come from a variety of backgrounds: social work, teaching, liberal arts, healthcare professionals, etc. It is not necessary for SPs to have prior experience acting, despite the nature of the roll. Often times, SPs join the CELS team due to a desire to help assist in the education of health care professionals.
Requirements and Responsibilities
UF CELS requires the following from all SPs:
- Reliability – must be punctual and prepared (including having appropriate case materials memorized, and correct attire)
- Adaptability – due to the variable nature of assessment scheduling, SPs must be amenable to sudden changes in regard to schedule and assigned case. Assigned cases can include a variety of activities, including patient portrayals and physical exams. Appropriate accommodations are made as necessary.
- Professional – for consistency, it is imperative to maintain a high level of professionalism with learners, staff, faculty, and peers. All case materials and learner interactions are confidential. Standardized patients must not discuss cases or students outside the assessment center.
Being an SP can be challenging; in order to provide the best standardized encounter, an SP must demonstrate a high degree of focus, recall, and precision. SPs must also be mindful to act and respond as the patient in the case simulation, not as themselves. Consistency is essential, so SPs have to simulate the same patient and the same conditions/scenarios multiple times a day. At the end of each encounter, SPs record their experience in an electronic checklist.
As employees of the University of Florida, SPs who work with UF CELS are expected to follow the policies and procedures that apply to OPS employees.
SPs must also follow all guidelines observed in the Anaclerio Learning and Assessment Center Standardized Patient Handbook.
Scheduling
In respect to Standardized Patient requirements and responsibilities, SPs are scheduled based on their articulated availability. Once an SP confirms their participation for an activity, the expectation is that they attend that activity for the full duration of the scheduled hours. Last minute call-offs are detrimental to the deployment of assessments and dramatically impact learner outcomes.
Recording and Observation
SP encounters are recorded for later review by faculty and learners, as well as for quality assurance (such as ensuring that SPs are receiving the appropriate training and support). SPs are not recorded in exam rooms before or after assessments. Private bathrooms for changing and such are provided for preference and extra comfort. Additionally, there are privacy screens in each room to protect SPs while they prepare for activities. SPs are encouraged to be mindful of surveillance while in areas where learners and encounters take place.
Interested in Becoming a Standardized Patient?
Access our SP Application or ask any questions here.