As a standardized patient (SP), one will use a wide range of skills, as they will need to role-play and work with a varied group of people. If a physical exam is part of the encounter, it is important that one is comfortable with their body and letting others touch and examine them, which may include skin to skin contact. Strong verbal communication skills are helpful. Successful SPs demonstrate flexibility and adaptability and are able to think and react quickly. It is important to note that SP work can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.

Standardized patients are expected to maintain the professional standards laid out by the Standardized Patient Program (SPP) at all times. Reliability and commitment to the learners is of the utmost importance. SPs are trained on an ongoing basis and therefore must be open to feedback and be able to follow direction well. They are expected to take the time to prepare and learn the scenarios they will be simulating, which may require some additional time outside of formal training. Standardized patients are also expected to hold confidentiality in the strictest manner.

Many simulations involve physical exams and/or topics of a sensitive nature. Consent to participate in any or all scenarios offered to a SP is not a requirement of the position. SPs may decline any scenario they are not comfortable being involved in.

No, though, many actors work as SPs. The focus is on providing the student with a valuable educational opportunity, not on performance or dramatic interpretation. Playing a patient case is extremely repetitive, it is important that the patient’s portrayal remains standardized with each encounter. Many actors and non-actors find this work rewarding, as they are contributing to the education of future health care providers. Many students are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with SPs and receive feedback on their skills.

No. Standardized patients do not fill a health professional background while simulating, and therefore cannot be asked to formally evaluate students. SPs are a resource, or tool, used in evaluative settings. SPs, however, are trained to provide verbal feedback to learners from the patient’s perspective on the interaction with the learner(s).

The Standardized Patient Program at McMaster University operates at three individual sites: Hamilton, Niagara and Waterloo. While Hamilton and Niagara fall under one umbrella, Waterloo is treated as a separate program in regard to hiring. You can apply to work as a SP at one, two or all three sites.

No SP is expected to undergo physical exams they are not comfortable with. The SP Program has defined a number of rosters for this purpose and the SP may elect to join or decline each roster individually.

When involved, SPs can expect the following types of physical exams:

• Vital signs – temperature, blood pressure, pulse
• Head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat
• Upper body – head, neck, chest, abdomen, back, underarms
• Extremities and joints – arms, hands, legs, feet
• Inguinal – the creases on either side of the pubic area where the legs meet the torso

SPs simulating scenarios involving physical exams are sometimes asked to wear a gown, as a real patient would.

SPs may also elect to work under our Urogenital and Gynecological Health Program, where learners are given the opportunity to perform genital, rectal or breast examinations on specially trained SPs.