What are simulated patients?
Simulated patient group session
Annabel Pellicer
Albert Oriol Bosch
Sisco Marca
Juan González
Joan Pallejà
Ramón Descarrega
Simulated patients
What are they?
Historically, students of medicine and medical professions have been taught theoretical content, a fact that is in contrast to the final practice, which is highly based on dealing with the patient. A tool was needed that would allow students to put into practice their communication skills and the ability to interpret symptoms about a patient without putting the patients' health at risk. This is how simulated patients are born, "actors", who emulate certain symptoms in a standardized way and who allow these skills to be practiced in a safe and risk-free environment. What, then, are simulated patients? What are the advantages of its use in doctor training?