Standardized/Simulated Patient Program Management and Administration – Spinning Plates

Simulated/Standardized Patient (SP) programs provide a trained cohort of SPs, expertise in SP methodology, and processes that administer SP services efficiently and cost effectively. Management in SP programs exist along a spectrum. Some programs may have one person dedicated to SP program administration while others may be headed by a dedicated manager who oversees the work of many SP educators and administrators. Regardless of size, SP programs are responsible for quality administrative and management practices, including quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, quality improvement, and SP recruiting, interviewing and on-boarding. Clearly stated policies and procedures allow an SP program to demonstrate that it meets legislated, institutional, and practice standards. They also specify approaches to meeting program goals, enable accountability to stakeholders (SPs, learner, faculty, and staff) and encourage continuous improvement (Lewis et al., Adv Simul 2:10, 2017, p 6).