Standardized patients’ experience of participating in medical students’ education: a qualitative content analysis

Abstract Background Standardized patients are considered a significant educational method in medical sciences and have been successfully employed for many years. This study was conducted with the aim of explaining the experience of standardized patients participating in the education of medical student. Method A qualitative content analysis approach was used. This study was conducted at Standardized Patient Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, May to February 2022. Fifteen standard patients were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with standard patients. The average duration of the interviews was 60 to 90 min. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman approach. Results A passport for the future and duality of feelings were the two main themes identified in this study with six subthemes. One of the main themes was passport for the future with subthemes creative, participation in educating future generation, reflection and another theme was duality of feeling with subthemes feeling of value, guilty conscience, and fear of judgment by others. Conclusion The participants expressed having mixed feelings about their role as standard patients. They felt conflicted because they were compensated for their participation, which made them worry about being judged by others and feel guilty about taking the fee. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further studies in this area.