The longitudinal simulated patient program: evaluations by teachers and students and feasibility

Abstract

Objective: Simulated patients (SPs) are mostly used in single-case encounters. However, for chronic care training longitudinal patient encounters are more suitable. Evaluations of students and teachers regarding a new, longitudinal SP program were explored and compared to the single-case SP program. Furthermore, the feasibility of the program was explored.

Methods: Year 3 students participating in the longitudinal SP program (N = 272) had four encounters with the same SP portraying a chronic health problem in eight months. Student evaluations regarding the longitudinal SP program were assessed with a validated questionnaire (the MaSP) and both teachers and students completed another questionnaire on their views.

Results: In general, students and teachers were positive about the longitudinal SP program. We found no differences between student evaluations regarding the longitudinal SP program and those regarding the single-case SP program.

The longitudinal SP program appeared not to be feasible because of uncooperative faculty staff and the workload.

Conclusions: Students consider the longitudinal SP program as good as the single-case SP program. In its current form the longitudinal SP program appeared not to be feasible. Further research is needed in our search for an instructive, enjoyable and feasible SP program to teach students about continuity of care.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lonneke Bokken

LONNEKE BOKKEN, MD, is a PhD student at the department of Educational Development and Research, University of Maastricht.

Tim Linssen

TIM LINSSEN, MD, is a former medical student, University of Maastricht and now a House Officer in Surgery at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Dordrecht, the Netherlands.

Albert Scherpbier

ALBERT SCHERPBIER, MD, PhD, is a professor of Quality Assurance in Medical Education and scientific director of the Institute for Medical Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht.

Cees van der Vleuten

CEES VAN DER VLEUTEN, PhD, is a professor and chair of the department of Educational Development and Research, University of Maastricht.

Jan-Joost Rethans

JAN-JOOST RETHANS, MD, PhD, is general practitioner and associate professor at the Skillslab, University of Maastricht and coordinator of the communication skills and simulated patient program.