How will I know what to do as an SP?
Standardized Patients (SP鈥檚) portray a specific patient working from a script detailing the current medical problem, past medical history, family and social situation, and emotional state. SP鈥檚 will be taught to use a certain body language, positions and responses to a physical examination. Standardized Patients look for specific student responses and skills and give feedback on the student鈥檚 performances. Students are aware that they are seeing SP鈥檚, and they are asked to perform histories and physical examinations just as they would with real patients.
Do I grade the student?
Standardized Patients may be asked to complete a checklist as a record of the encounter. We will show you this before you see your first student.
What type of physical examination is performed?
Students will perform focused physical examinations based on your patient case as they would with a real patient, except for the following exams.聽The students will not perform breast, pelvic, genital or rectal exams.聽They will not perform invasive procedures as drawing blood or throat cultures.聽They will use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs.聽They will palpate (press on) the abdomen. They will also use a light to look in the ears, throat and eyes.聽They may also take your blood pressure and pulse.
Will I have to remove my clothing?
SP鈥檚 should wear loose clothing during the sessions.聽Women should wear a sports bra under their shirts as the students will place the stethoscope directly on their chest.
Will I need to know a lot about medicine?
No. Your patient portrayal information will contain all the information you will need.
What if I know a SWAG视频student well or I am related to a student?
If you are familiar with a student or are related to a SWAG视频student we will not schedule you to be a patient for that encounter.
Is my previous health history important?
It is important there are no significant positive findings on your exam that would confuse the student.聽However, a surgical scar might not matter in a case about a headache or wrist pain. Yet, a surgical scar on an appendectomy patient will disqualify that patient to be an appendectomy patient.聽An SP鈥檚 answers on the medical database questionnaire will help match the SP to the appropriate patient cases.
How are Standardized Patients selected?
As an SP, one will use a wide range of skills.聽An SP will need to role-play and work with a varied group of people.聽It is important that one is comfortable with his or her body and letting others touch and examine him or her.聽Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
Punctuality, Reliability and Flexibility are imperative.
Do I need to be an actor?
No, although many actors are SP鈥檚. The exam provides the student with an educational opportunity. Playing a patient is extremely repetitive and the聽same聽simulation must be done for every student encounter. It requires concentration while being interviewed and examined. Your responses should be that of a real patient.聽When the encounter with the student is completed, you must recall their performance to evaluate them on a check list.
How often would I work?
This is a part-time, hourly position, reporting on an as needed basis.
What personality traits are needed to be a SP?
An SP needs to be focused at the task at hand.聽This requires: energy, memorization, discipline, concentration, excellent communication skills and a high level of comfort with your own health.