Teaching and Learning Physical Examination Skills with simulated patients

This chapter describes how simulated patients (SPs) contribute to the development of physical examination (PE) skills in learners. PE is a complex psychomotor task, used to assess the wellbeing of patients and to assist with clinical decision-making, in relation to the diagnosis. SPs address many of the difficulties generated by teaching and learning with real patients, peers, manikins and task trainers. SPs prevent harm to patients and can provide a safe learning environment for learners and patients. The development of realistic scenarios can expand knowledge and skills, particularly in clinical reasoning. SPs can participate in demonstration, rehearsal and assessment. The SP can also participate in assessment of PE. Scenarios can be developed that increase authenticity and permit the development and testing of clinical reasoning skills, rather than just a focus on technical performance of PE skills.