About "Setting the Standard"

Your host, writing the next Tuesday post.
[Portrait of Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, via wikimedia]

Call me Patience: I have been a Standardized Patient for at least seven years. I am writing from the perspective of someone who works at many different locations with many different types of scenarios (some of which don't even technically include "patients").

I love this job. The only thing that would make this work more fulfilling is a stronger SP culture. Many of us recognize each other from previous roles, but our bonds are weak. Even in locations where we are able to talk over lunch, the conversation rolls through small talk and actor self-promotion and how good the food is (or isn't). Occasionally we'll talk about something a student did, but with the intention to commiserate rather than investigate.

I want to raise our standards. I want an SP culture that is both curious and dedicated to self-improvement. I want SPs to be active participants in this strange and wonderful job. I want SPs to model the behaviours we expect of students. We have an incredible opportunity to influence a generation of new medical professionals and I want us to take that seriously. And in return, I want faculty, students and SP programs to take us seriously, too.

These are some things I hope to write, read and think more about:

• Exploring core values like empathy, autonomy and consent
• Analyzing what can make patients uncomfortable in scenarios, and giving students concrete tools to address that discomfort
• Better defining vague communication checklist items that cause students frustration, like "respectful," "empathetic," "rapport," etc.
• Giving feedback in a way students can hear
• Training SPs to be confident, consistent and clear
• Supporting SPs to help them feel valued, respected and appreciated
• Sharing both satisfying & challenging SP experiences
• Sharing books & articles that provide insight into SP and patient experiences
• Exploring questions that arise when performing specific types of cases
• Examining the unusual profession of SP work

I will try not to identify students, institutions or fellow SPs. Every job is different, but enough things are similar that you may think I am writing about a program you recognize when I am not (I mean, everyone does a gall bladder case, right?). I combine notes from all cases at all schools, so please don't use them as a guide to a specific case at your school. Feel free to contact me via settingthestandardblog@gmail.com if you have concerns, questions, or just want to connect with a fellow SP.