Standardized Patients (SPs) portray patients and serve as models for students who are learning medical practice competencies, such as interviewing patients, performing physical examinations and/or interacting with family members.
SPs are trained to portray specific roles in a consistent (or “standardized”) manner, so all learners receive the same cases as prescribed by faculty. During some encounters, learners may perform non-invasive physical exams, such as listening to the lungs, pressing on the abdomen or checking reflexes.
Additionally, SPs assess learners from the patient/family perspective, using objective checklists or participating in debriefing sessions as directed by faculty. All UMKC SPs receive training from School of Medicine faculty in physical examination techniques and communication competencies, plus instruction in how to evaluate and give constructive feedback to learners.
Those selected for the standardized patient pool are eligible to be “cast” for upcoming SP events if they fit specific case profiles as requested by faculty. Availability of work is sporadic and on an as-needed basis only.
