The Simulation-Based Education and Research Standardized Patient (SP) Program provides real-life patient experiences to foster experiential learning within the Patient Safety Training Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). Besides many organizational initiatives, the program supports the Geisel School of Medicine, Colby-Sawyer College Nursing Department, and Franklin Pierce University Physician Assistant Program.
Multifaceted trainings are provided for many learner groups including residents, fellows, medical students, practicing nurses, nursing students, and physician assistants. Some examples of the types of simulations that have been implemented are postpartum hemorrhage, stroke protocol, mental health encounters, physical assessments, mass casualty, and wound care, among others.
In addition, the program provides standardized patients for the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), which is an integral part of the medical students’ educational curriculum at the Geisel School of Medicine. During the first three years of medical school, the students participate in multiple OSCEs per school year. All trainings provided offer learners a realistic experience of interacting with patients including feedback to improve their professional communication skills.