Using patient-generated cases to teach students skills in responding to patients’ emotions

Abstract

Responding to patients’ emotions has been identified as a core skill in medical interviewing. To give medical students realistic practice in responding to patients’ emotions, an exercise was initiated in which simulated patient (SP) cases were developed in collaboration with SPs. Small groups were visited by two SPs, who portray emotional scenarios based on symptoms for which they had previously sought a doctor's care or considered seeking care. SPs also identified circumstances that would provoke emotional reactions for their case. Students and facilitators rated this activity highly. Benefits included more realistic case portrayals, less training time for SPs and more efficient use of SPs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marcy E. Rosenbaum

MARCY E. ROSENBAUM is Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Faculty Development Consultant for the Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Her research interests include teaching and assessing clinician–patient communication.

Kristi J. Ferguson

KRISTI J. FERGUSON is Associate Professor of Community and Behavioral Health in the College of Public Health and Director of the Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education in the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa. She has been director for the first semester Foundations of Clinical Practice course since 1998.