A standardized patient and faculty’s viewpoint on working together on an autism spectrum disorder simulation

Abstract

Simulated clinical experiences are an alternative to on-site clinical training.  Focused simulations allow for teaching, clinical feedback, and adjustments in patient interaction strategies conducted in controlled real-time environments. Simulations allow nursing students to develop skill acquisition, improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making especially when using a standardized patient (SP). The International Organization for Clinical Simulation and Learning defines and SP as an individual specifically educated to depict a patient or person with a particular condition or behavior in a realistic, consistent and repeatable method and educated to consistently represent a patient or person in a scripted situation to instruct, practice, and evaluate. While there is a plethora of information about the participants experience with the simulation process little is known about the SP’s personal experience. This paper discusses the standardized patient’s experience and the faculty viewpoints after several autism simulations were implemented.