Standardized Patient Program

Standardized patients (SP) perform the patient role in various healthcare learning scenarios, including physical complaints, psychosocial problems, or a combination of issues, for example, abdominal pain worsened by stress. For some advanced scenarios, standardized patients also use moulage to simulate injuries, rashes, and scars. Standardized patients are trained through our scenario-based learning modules, including a patient script, physical exam activities, and checklist used for learner feedback and assessment.

To ensure fairness and objectivity across all learners, SPs are methodically trained by our educators to portray the patient role consistently and complete checklists reliably.

Our standardized patients are used in simulated patient-physician encounters – a proven, effective learning modality – to allow healthcare learners to practice their communication and physical exam skills in a controlled and safe environment.

Simulated encounters occur in our authentically equipped and supplied outpatient exam rooms or virtually in telehealth scenarios. The healthcare learner conducts a health history interview, performs a non-invasive physical exam for some cases, and conveys information about diseases, lab results, and treatment options.

Typically, encounters are video recorded, which provides an excellent means for clinical performance review and formative and summative assessment.

• Conscientious – Our SPs are diligent and hardworking. They are keenly focused during training sessions with our educators. They study the materials and ask timely and relevant questions, which fully prepares them for their role. In addition, they understand the importance of consistency and reliability across all the healthcare learners they encounter. 
• Punctual – Our SPs arrive early and are prepared for their role. Our stakeholders (learners, faculty, and staff) count on the simulation team to start clinical performance exams promptly when scheduled and keep them running on time, every time.
• Flexible – Our SPs must adapt to schedule changes, including cancellations and last-minute refinement of scenario scripts and checklists.
• Reliable – Our SPs must maintain high performance standards and pay close attention to the details that provide our learners with meaningful feedback and assessment.

SPs at Baylor College of Medicine are independent contractors and not considered a permanent full-time or part-time employees. Consequently, there are no additional benefits offered other than hourly pay and knowing SPs play a vital role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Currently, our SPs are paid the following rates:

Home Study: $14 per hour

On-site Activities

• Training, Performance, Proctor, PESP: $25.50 per hour

Online Activities

• Training, Performance, Proctor (via Zoom): $20 per hour
• Video Review (via Computer): $20 per hour        

GTA: $37.50 per student (when a physical exam is performed) or $60 per hour (with simulator)

MUTA: $37.50 per student (when a physical exam is performed) or $60 per hour (with simulator)

An SP's schedule will vary. Invitations to participate are sent on an as-needed basis and according to "best fit" criteria such as simulated patient health demographics, experience level, and other case requirements. Our SPs are not guaranteed a fixed number of hours per week, month, or year. An SP can decline an invitation for a scenario or simulated patient they do not want to portray.