The goal of the Standardized Patient Program is to provide realistic practice opportunities with “simulated patients” for any student involved in Healthcare.
The practice occurs in a simulated environment where it is safe to make mistakes and the goal is learning appropriate communication and interaction techniques and defined physical exam skills when indicated.
The Simulated/Standardized Patient (SP) is a person who has been carefully coached to portray an actual patient with a particular medical problem, medical history, certain personality and emotional traits. In performing the simulation, the SP presents the patient in such a genuine manner that disbelief around the simulation is suspended.
The Standardized Patient engages in multiple encounters with multiple students over a prescribed period of time and must work with fellow Standardized Patients engaged in presenting the same patient.
Standardized Patients
- Both actors and non-actors
- Age 18 and older
- Men and women with all body types and diverse ethnic backgrounds
- Employed as a contract worker by GHS
- Have education beyond the high school level and/or successful employment experience(s)
- Ability to consistently reproduce the history, physical findings and emotions of the “real patient” multiple times a day.
- Ability to multitask by portraying the patient and remembering the encounter accurately in order to complete a checklist of interview questions, physical exam and communication skills.
- Ability to give constructive feedback, either written or orally.
SPs may see up to 12 students on a one-to-one basis during an evaluation session or work with a group of between four and 10 students in a controlled teaching session. Standardized Patient cases are modeled after real cases.
The Greenville HealthCare Simulation Center has a suite of teaching exam rooms equipped with instruments and furniture found in real patient exam rooms.
Interested in becoming a standardized patient?
Read our frequently asked questions about becoming a standardized patient and apply.
