![Sample our Education journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5932/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Education.jpg"})
Abstract
Simulated patients have been used in a variety of teaching and assessment situations. This review examines the assumptions behind this use of simulation in terms of the evidence appearing up to June 1980. Studies purporting to show the effectiveness of simulation are also reviewed. Problems in investigating the reliability and validity of simulated patients, especially in interviewing studies, are highlighted and a new orientation for examining the technical characteristics of simulations for assessment is proposed.