Children as standardized patients: Initial assessment of effects

In this exploratory study, we examined the effects of simulating experienced by children who are standardized patients (SPs). In 1993, a random sample of children in the McMaster University SP pool were invited to attend a focus group. The data were transcribed, content analyzed, and reviewed by participants to ensure that they were trustworthy. All(N = 7) of the child SPs (age 6–18) who were invited to the focus group attended, except those who had moved away. The children reported that they acquired important skills and information through simulating. Developmental differences were observed in the nature of the effects reported. The teenagers reported sophisticated learning about communication, their behavior, adults, and life in general. Our results suggest care should be taken in selecting children as SPs and their SP roles to ensure that this experience benefits them. Further exploration of the effects of being an SP on children is advocated.