NCEC Standardized Patient Program
The Standardized Patient
The SP (Standardized Patient or Simulated Patient- terms used interchangeably) is an individual that healthcare educators recruit and train to act as or simulate all aspects of an actual patient in a healthcare setting. Patient interaction in a case scenario provides an opportunity for a student to learn and receive feedback regarding their clinical skills in a simulated environment. SP actors learn all aspects of a case and receive training to portray patients per a standardized script. They may also provide feedback to the students regarding their communication and interpersonal skills. Using SPs allows students to practice, evaluate and hone their clinical skills before beginning their professional careers. Some of the skills that SP interaction helps develop in healthcare students:
- Physical examination
- History taking
- Communication
- Patient counseling
- Patient education
- Empathy
How are SPs incorporated into student learning at the University of Iowa?
SPs are used in both the undergraduate and graduate programs at UI College of Nursing. Click on the following links to see examples of SPs in our graduate nurse programs:
- Graduate Education: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Students
- Graduate Education: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Dr. Dan Wesemann
Interested in employment as an SP?
A successful Standardized Patient has the following skills:
Good verbal communication and the ability to follow a case scenario and give scripted answers while playing the part of a patient.
Prompt and reliable for simulation events.
If interested, in part-time work as a SP, please send an email of interest to katie-knox@uiowa.edu
Current SP? Here are some helpful links.