Simulated Patients’ Experience towards Simulated Patient-Based Simulation Session: A Qualitative Study

Background: Simulated Patient (SP) is defined as a layperson that simulates to portray the role of a patient with health-related conditions. International Medical University (IMU) has been utilizing SP for more than 10 years, however, the SP's experience toward the SP-based simulation session yet to be explored, the aim of the study was to explore the SP's experience toward the SP-based simulation session. Methods: Total of 6 participants recruited for a focused group interview, with the inclusive criteria of participated at least an SP-based simulation session. The interviewer used a list of guide question to explore both the positive and negative experience of the SP-based simulation session. A combination of manual and computer software Program was used for data management and analysis. Manual transcribing and coding technique was used for data analysis, while Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) was used for data management and additional analysis. Results: Three main themes and eleven sub-themes have emerged. The first theme was Effective learning session, with the sub-themes of Student learning attitude, Treated as real patient, Standardization among lecturer, Appropriate respond to student and Focused learning outcome; second theme was Motivation, with the sub-themes of Respect, Feedback, and Caring; the third theme was Preparation prior to class, with the sub-themes of Clear instruction, Role-play, and Script. Conclusions: SPs perceived that lecturers should pay attention to the students’ learning outcome and fully utilize SPs for teaching. Besides that, SPs wished to be treated as a real patient due to the lecturer who treated the SPs as they are real patient gave students a mind-set that the learners were actually dealing with a patient with real conditions. SPs supposed that another role of the lecturer was well-prepared the SPs prior to the actual sessions. SPs expressed that students who took the session seriously, well-preparation before the classes, active participation during the sessions and proactive attitude encouraged realistic portrayal of the character. While SP role was memorizing a series of information needed for the scenario, prepare mentally for portrayal certain emotional as well as physical symptoms. Lecturer, SP as well as student influence a successful SP-based simulation session.