Standardized Patients
The CAPE Standardized Patient is a unique kind of educator. SPs offer learners and professionals the opportunity to practice and enhance their communication, clinical, diagnostic, and examination skills through simulated interactions. SPs portray a variety of detailed scenarios in which they assume the role of patient, client, colleague and professional. They can also portray bystanders and family members. They assist with teaching and assessing learners and professionals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, SPs help to facilitate the learner in guided self-reflection and provide feedback to the learners as they help develop clinical skills.
Apply to be a Standardized Patient
Additional Roles:
TEACHING ASSOCIATES
STANDARDIZED PHYSICAL EXAM TEACHING ASSOCIATES (SPETAs) are SPs who train learners to perform the physical examination using their body and other appropriate educational resources.
SIMULATION TECHNICIANS
SIMULATION TECHNICIANS are trained to operate human patient simulators (high fidelity mannequins) as well as orient learners to the simulated environments and simulators.
GYNECOLOGICAL TEACHING ASSOCIATES
GTAs use their own body as a teaching tool while instructing students on the exam techniques of the FEMALE genital, breast and rectal examination.
MALE UROLOGICAL TEACHING ASSOCIATES
MUTAs use their own body as a teaching tool while instructing students on the exam techniques of the MALE genital and rectal examination.
COACHES
COACHES are SPs who are trained to coach and facilitate communication group exercises for a variety of learner groups and types.
EVALUATORS
EVALUATORS are SPs who are trained to observe teams and individuals in action to provide historical data and accurate assessment of the learner or team.
SIMULATION ASSISTANTS
Simulation assistants are trained to play various roles to enrich the simulation and create an authentic experience. They can play the roles of bystanders, radiology technicians, pharmacy technicians, health care assistants, hospital operator, or any role deemed necessary to ensure the educational or assessment goals are met.
PROCTORS
PROCTORS are trained to support the learning or assessment activities.
Health Equity for Standardized Patients Course
The CAPE (Center for Advancing Professional Excellence) and the University of Colorado offer a Health Equity for Standardized Patients course. This unique three-day certification addresses the need for SPs to facilitate learner interactions that include feedback and portrayal of scenarios, incorporating health equity issues. These issues are now a part of most healthcare curriculums (i.e., Opioid management). After course completion, SPs are able to coach learners in recognizing health disparities and mitigating bias.