Standardized Patient Program

What is the Standardized Patient Program?

Standardized patients (SP) were introduced in medical schools in the early 1960s. By the 1980s, many schools had developed standardized patient programs as part of the curriculum for medical students. The Department of Family Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, first established its SP Program in 1982.

In 1997, the program became housed in the Office of Clinical Skills Assessment and Education. The SP Program fosters an environment where learners can learn to communicate effectively with patients. Learners practice interviewing, problem solving, and diagnosing various health problems. SPs also provide a tool for assessing the clinical skills of learners as well as practitioners.

What do standardized patients do?

Standardized Patients (SPs) are trained using a medical case scenario to portray the symptoms, personality, and life situation of actual patients. Standardized patients provide learners an opportunity to learn without risk to actual patients. They work with medical students and learners from all health sciences areas.  During a simulation, the learner interviews an SP and performs basic non-invasive physical exam techniques. A goal of the program is to foster an environment where learners can practice, train, and test effective communication skills and exam techniques. After the simulation, the SP completes an assessment of the clinical and interpersonal skills of learners. The Office of Clinical Skills hires college students and men and women of all ages. Acting experience is not necessary.

What do learners say about standardized patients?

“I learned better through hands-on experiences.”

“The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.”

“It is a great privilege to have these learning opportunities.”

“You all are amazing!”

“Everyone is wonderful at making sure students are supported and reassured.”

“It’s a positive experience with an environment conducive to learning.”

“This experience provided valuable information a textbook can’t provide. It was very purposeful.”

“The staff’s passion for student success is very evident.”

Be A Standardized Patient

Why should I become a standardized patient?

As an SP, you will be directly involved in the education of future clinicians. You will have the opportunity to work with people in the community who may share similar interests, and will also receive pay for the time you spend in training sessions, in classes, or exams. Our employees state that as an SP it is gratifying to contribute to the learning experience and give learners an opportunity to practice their clinical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. They feel their work helps learners come away with an increased level of confidence in their skills and ability to cope competently with real-life situations

Things to consider…

SPs are part-time intermittent employees.
SPs work on an as-needed basis. Income cannot be relied on as your main source of income.
Half day blocks of time need to be available in your schedule.
Reliable transportation is required.

How may I learn more about becoming a Standardized Patient?

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Standardized Patient, please complete and submit this form