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Quality Assurance & Improvement

The Standardized Patient Program (SPP) is committed to providing users with standardized patients (SPs) who are consistently able to portray the historical, physical and emotional features of a patient. The SPP strives to provide content that is current, accurate and relevant, and is committed to providing SPs and learners a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment.

To successfully achieve these goals, the SPP has an active system of quality control measures in place, primarily composed of feedback forms and simulation monitoring.

The SPP takes a multi-faceted approach to quality assurance and improvement of SP portrayal, case content and simulation environment through:

  • Direct observation during SP training sessions

  • Direct or indirect observation during simulations (random, unannounced, and/or scheduled)
  • Review of recordings
  • Distribution, collection and analysis of feedback forms

Any identified issues or areas of improvement will be addressed through appropriate means, such as:

  • Review and revision of case content
  • Review and revision of SP training
  • Retraining and/or remediation of SP(s)
  • Feedback to academic program administrators

Quality Assurance Forms

All individuals involved in simulations are encouraged to submit feedback.

Quality assurance forms are also available to SPs and SP trainers. Feedback obtained on all forms will be used to update/improve case content, SP portrayal and the simulation environment.