What is a simulated patient?
A simulated patient is an individual who plays the part of a real patient allowing our medical students to learn by developing their communication skills and diagnostic abilities.
Who becomes a simulated patient?
Simulated patients must be over 18 years of age. They come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Do I need to know about medicine?
No specialist knowledge is needed; indeed lack of knowledge can be a positive advantage as it ensures the student must give explanations and instructions clearly.
How big a time commitment is involved?
You can express interest in being involved in as many or as few sessions as you wish. Sessions vary in length. What we do ask of our simulated patients is reliability. Please, once you have committed to a session, try to keep that commitment.
What do clinical skills simulated patients have to do?
If you express an interest in becoming a simulated (SP) you will be invited to one of our teaching sessions as an observer. There you will see our SPs in a wide variety of roles. Some SPs prefer to act as patients telling the students about their (fictional) ailments, others allow the students to practise their diagnostic skills e.g. measuring blood pressure.
After coming along as an observer you can express a preference as to what you would like to do.
What do communication skills simulated patients have to do?
In our communication skills sessions simulated patients act out a particular role or character allowing students to respond appropriately. These workshops do not involve any clinical examinations.
Do I need experience of acting?
No acting experience is required to become a clinical skills SP although many people already involved in amateur dramatics find this is a natural extension of their interest. Acting experience is required to become a communication skills SP
What are the benefits of participating?
As well as the knowledge that they are helping to train the next generation of doctors our simulated patients find this role interesting and enjoyable. They meet lots of new people. Volunteers are reimbursed for their participation.
I am interested. What do I do now?
| Contact our simulated patient coordinator | ||
| Email: | simpatient@st-andrews.ac.uk | |
| Clinical Skills Tel: |
01334 463580 |
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| Communication Skills Tel: | 01334 463508 | |
