Training communication in undergraduate medical education

: how to train and ensure the quality of the contribution of simulated patients?

Abstract

The importance of communication training in medical education has become more evident in recent years. Through the introduction of human simulation, in specific the Simulated Patient (SP) Methodology, students are offered the opportunity to develop and practice essential clinical and communication skills with Simulated Patients, in a safe and protected environment. The contribution of Simulated Patients in medical education includes their participation in Simulated Patient Consultations (SPCs), where they have three main responsibilities: perform a role portrayal of the given scenario, assess the students while performing, and provide feedback at the end of the encounter, based on their experience as a patient. It is the Simulated Patient Educator’s (SPE) job to elicit more authentic performances and guide the SPs on how to provide constructive feedback, a goal achieved through effective training methods and the implementation of continuous evaluation methods on the SP program. This master’s project aims to help SPs feeling ready for SPCs by covering all three main areas: role portrayal, feedback, and self-reflection. It works as a complementary tool of the work of the SPE by highlighting key information to help SPs further prepare themselves, individually. The project follows a design thinking strategy and uses qualitative methods to implement a human-centred, creative and innovative solution for any organisation working with Simulated Patients: “The SP self-guide for SPCs”.

Date of Award	18 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Catarina Duff Burnay (Supervisor)