Simulated Patient (SP) is defined as a layperson that simulates to portray the role of a patient with health-related conditions based on varying levels of training. International Medical University (IMU) has been utilising SP for more than 10 years for simulation activities including learning sessions and examination. Due to a series of complex interaction within the SP programme, the aim of the study was to explore the experience of lecturer, student and SPs towards the interaction within the SP programme. The findings of the research were aimed to improve the teaching sessions and examination through the improvement of the SP programme. A total of 17 participants were recruited for 6 interviews, including both focus group and one-to-one interview session. The researcher used a list of guide questions to explore both positive and negative experiences. Manual transcribing and coding technique were used for data analysis, while Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) was used for data management and additional analysis. The themes for the lecturer group were: SP resemble a real patient, The making of scenario, and SP feedback; while the themes for the students group were: Simulated patient as an effective learning tool, Fairness, and Feedback from simulated patient; whereas Effective learning session, Motivation and Preparation prior class were the themes for the SP group. SPs’ contribution was valuable if the SP is able to resemble a real patient and able to demonstrate effective feedback skills. Standardisation of the character portrayal and SP feedback influenced the fairness along the students’ journey. Lecturers, SPs and students influenced the success of an SP-based simulation session.
Simulated patient (SP) is defined as a layperson who simulates to portray the role of a patient with health-related conditions based on varying levels of training. SP allows students to practice various skills under guided experience in a realistic, safe, and controlled setting. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine original research relating to the experience towards simulated patient-based simulation session. A rapid review included three electronic databases search of articles published between 2008 to 2018 with inclusive and exclusive criteria. Seventeen articles were eventually selected for inclusion in the review. These articles were subjected to basic thematic analysis. Descriptive analysis of the study design, study location, professional area, and study variables were reported. Six themes were identified: SP’s perspective, evaluation of SP’s performance, euthenticity of SP role play, SP feedback, student’s development, and evaluation of student’s performance. SP methodology has been widely used to train healthcare students in the development of medical knowledge, clinical skills, as well as important soft skills. SPs, students, and facilitators play a role to ensure the success of an SP-based simulation session. The outcome of the training with SP was examined through an assessment of either the student’s performance or the SP’s performance. The outcome of the review concluded that SPs’ development indirectly influences students’ development.