The use of standardized patients to teach medical students clinical skills in ambulatory care settings

Figures & data

Table

Practice points

The SP encounter program was introduced to help undergraduate students acquire clinical skills in ambulatory care settings with the limited availability of real, educational patients. This program followed by a tutor's feedback with video recording was feasible, practical and useful in ambulatory care setting. Students were satisfied with the program, and regarded it as instructive and helpful program. This SP encounter program has its unique value, especially in a teaching hospital which has outpatient clinic unfavorable to education for medical students.

Figure 1. Flowchart of the ambulatory care teaching program for medical students using SP during internal medicine clerkship. SP, standardized patient.

Table 1.  Students’ program evaluation questionnaire

	N	(%)
Do you think the frequency of standardized patient encounter appropriate?
Yes	155	(92)
No	14	(8)
NA	0	(0)
Were the tutor's feedback and the video recording playback satisfactory and helpful?
(1) How long was the length of feedback time?
30 min	25	(15)
30–60 min	127	(75)
>60 min	9	(5)
NA	8	(5)
(2) Do you think that this feedback duration was adequate?
Yes	142	(84)
No	19	(11)
NA	8	(5)
(3) Did your tutor point out your strengths and weaknesses well?
Yes	155	(92)
No	7	(4)
NA	7	(4)
In general, are you satisfied with the program?
Fully satisfied	46	(27)
Satisfied	102	(60)
Dissatisfied	13	(8)
Too dissatisfied	8	(5)

Note: NA, not available.