U of A patient-actors helping train health-care professionals of tomorrow

At the University of Alberta, standardized patients (also known as simulated patients) help provide hands-on training for health-care students.

A standardized patient is someone trained to play the part of a fictional patient, bringing to life that patient’s medical history, physical symptoms and emotional characteristics. They get paid to act out medical scenarios from routine checkups to complex emergency situations, providing a realistic clinical learning experience for future health-care professionals.

Standardized patients are part of the Standardized Patient Program, and can be anyone from the community.

Using standardized patients for training has advantages over working with real patients. While patients can have varying symptoms and be unpredictable, a standardized patient delivers the same scenario each time, making sure each learner has the same, consistent patient experience. 

It also gives students a safe space to learn and make mistakes while minimizing risks to real patients.

New recruits receive a handbook, are given online instruction, and are put through ongoing training and workshops.

Petra Duncan, a simulation educator with the College of Health Sciences, says standardized patients are given the training they need to be successful.

“We go through the rules and regulations with them, break down their script and go through the details, including how to answer questions,” says Duncan. “We practice the role and scenario with the standardized patient beforehand. We make sure they’re prepared to do an amazing job.”

Standardized patients simulate a variety of medical conditions, from a simple cough to complex psychological states. They deliver detailed patient histories, pretend to exhibit physical symptoms and display a range of emotions. They may also use costumes, props and makeup to make scenes more realistic. 

“Every booking is different, requiring different techniques and portrayals,” says Duncan. “Some bookings will only require an orientation prior to starting, while others might need a rehearsal.”

Standardized patients are also trained to give students helpful and constructive feedback.

“Getting effective feedback is important for health-care students to develop the empathy and professionalism they’ll need in the real world,” she says.

The Standardized Patient Program is always looking for new applicants from diverse backgrounds. 

“We’re looking for applicants with good communication skills who can memorize a script and take instructions well,” says Duncan. “Ideally, they can think fast on their feet and feel comfortable ad libbing when necessary.”

“Being on time is very important. Applicants need to be able to move easily in any environment and walk, talk and move at a normal rate throughout the entire session. Some of our licensing exams can last eight to 12 hours. Standardized patients need to be able to pace themselves, have endurance and show confidence when performing.”

Prospective standardized patients can get started by submitting an online application. Anyone over 18 can apply.

Successful applicants are invited to an orientation session to learn more about the role and training process. Once on board, standardized patients can choose their own hours and the types of scenarios they participate in, offering a high degree of flexibility. The program sends out booking invitations and participants can choose which ones to accept.

Professional development opportunities are also available.

Interested individuals can learn more by visiting the Standardized Patient Program webpage.