This study aims to explore the perspectives of standardized patients previously involved in equity-seeking healthcare training simulation activities to better understand how stakeholders can engage and support standardized patients in the delivery of educational opportunities for healthcare professionals related to equity, diversity, and inclusivity. This was a qualitative research study conducted utilizing semi-structured interviews with persons who self-identified as being involved in the development and/or the delivery of simulations related to equity, diversity, and/or inclusion. We constructed three main themes: (1) safety should be prioritized throughout the journey; (2) empowerment is key to engagement; and (3) standardized patient trainers are central connectors for safety and empowerment.

 

The authors remind us that creating a psychologically safe space for learners to practice often means shifting the risk of harm from clinical patients to SPs. The article offers some clear takeaways about how to support SPs throughout the process of recruitment, training, portrayal, feedback, and debriefing.