(122) Standardized Patient Utilization in US Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Objective : A 2013 article described the use of simulation, including standardized patients (SPs), in US colleges/schools of pharmacy. Since then, the number of PharmD programs increased; furthermore, new curricular outcomes and entrustable professional activities (COEPA) were introduced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current use of SPs as a teaching/assessment modality in PharmD programs and identify areas of opportunity.

Methods: In September 2023, faculty/administrators at 141 colleges/schools of pharmacy were invited to complete a 30-item online survey centered on curricular use of and administrative aspects relating to SPs. An SP was defined as an individual (e.g., paid actor, faculty/staff, resident/fellow, upper-class student) trained to simulate a patient with a set of symptoms/problems. Descriptive statistics were used to report results.

Results: The survey response rate was 46% (65 of 141 programs). Sixty-one (94%) respondents reported using SPs. Individuals used as SPs included actors (75%), faculty (54%), and upper-class students (48%). Colleges/schools used SPs most frequently in patient care/skills laboratories (85%) and communication courses (69%). Respondents reported using SPs to simulate entrustable professional activities (82%) and to develop/assess students’ structural/cultural competency (46%), patient advocacy (25%), and leadership (13%) skills. Additionally, SPs were used to develop/assess students’ professionalism (95%), empathy (95%), self-awareness (52%), and professional identity (46%). Forty-eight percent of respondents had a dedicated individual overseeing SP use. Of 60 respondents, 62% had an SP budget and 55% reported not assessing their SP program.

Conclusions: This study highlights the widespread use of SPs in PharmD programs. There are opportunities to enhance SP use to further develop skills and attitudes in the new COEPA. Human and/or financial resources may be needed to expand SP programs and ensure continuous quality assessment.