Feasibility of Using Standardized Patients in a Physical Therapist Education Program: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose. Although there is evidence that the use of standardized patients is effective in the development of psychomotor skills in medical and physical therapist students, there is little information in the literature about the feasibility of developing a standardized patient program in a physical therapy academic program. The purpose of this pilot project was to determine the feasibility of using standardized patients in the academic setting to assist physical therapist students in the development of psychomotor skills prior to their first clinical experience. Method/Model Description and Evaluation. For the purposes of this study, feasibility included measurements of faculty time, costs, and space requirements associated with the use of standardized patients. Thirty-nine first-year students were randomly assigned to either a control or experimental group. Students in the control group received the usual laboratory experience of working in partners and role-playing 2 patient scenarios involving gait training. Students in the experimental group worked in subgroups of up to 5 students with actors trained to simulate the same 2 patient scenarios. All costs associated with the experience were tracked and recorded. In addition to feasibility, student perceptions of the experience were measured. Students in both groups completed initial and follow-up questionnaires evaluating their perceptions of the usefulness of the experience. Outcomes. Costs and faculty time associated with the recruitment and training of the standardized patients for this one-time experience were found to be reasonable and were easily covered within the current program budget. Statistically significant differences (P<.05) were found between groups in their opinions on the usefulness of the laboratory experience. At the follow-up, students in the experimental group felt that their experience with the standardized patients increased their awareness of safety issues (P<.002), communication issues (P<.000), and handling skills (P<.000). Discussion and Conclusion. The use of standardized patients has the potential to assist students in the acquisition of basic patient care skills, easing the transition between school and clinic in a cost-effective manner.