A Standardized Patient (SP) is a person carefully recruited and trained to take on the characteristics of a real patient thereby affording the student an opportunity to learn and to be evaluated on learned skills in a simulated clinical environment. During an interaction with a student the standardized patient may:
- present case history in response to questioning by the student
- undergo a limited physical examination at the student's direction
- assist students in developing their communication and clinical skills
- assist students in working through difficult emotional situations in a safe environment
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