Simulated Participants
Become a Simulated Participant
Members of the public are required to act as patients and role-players for student selection, training and examination.
We are currently looking to recruit young people between the ages of 18-35. Please complete the application form here - https://forms.office.com/e/CyPfdgXjva Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 21st September.
You must ensure you are available for interview in person either Wednesday 1st or Friday 3rd October and for Induction and Training on Friday 17th October.
Please note that recruitment is currently closed for other age demographics. If you would like notified when recruitment will open again, please email spenquiries@qub.ac.uk
FAQ's
-
What is a simulated participant?
A Simulated Participant (SP) is sometimes referred to as a simulated patient standardised patient or participant or patient actor. The SP will play the role of a patient interacting with one of our medical students during a teaching or examination activity. SPs will also role-play during interviews for selection to the medical course.
- Who can be a simulated participant?
Anyone who is willing to make a contribution to the education of undergraduate medical students can be a simulated participant. SPs should have good communication skills and be patient with those who are learning new skills.
- What training is involved?
There is initial training for all newly recruited SPs. Specific training is given for each role-play or activity that SPs are asked to perform. During these specific training sessions, there will be opportunities to ask questions and practise role-playing. Additional ad hoc training may be given.
- What is expected of SPs?
We use simulated participants for selecting potential students, for teaching and in professional university examinations called Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
SPs are expected to adhere to our Professional Conduct and Performance Standards, to abide by our Confidentiality Agreement and to consent to possible video recording. It is vital, that no information relating to the role-plays is passed to anyone outside the role-play being undertaken.
Male SPs should be willing to expose chest, spine, limbs and abdomen. Female SPs should be willing to expose limbs, neck and abdomen. SPs are usually told when being booked for teaching activities, what examination they will be taking part in.
- What preparation is required for a role-play/activity session?
Prior to the day check:
- The time/date/venue
- Know which skill is being simulated
- Revise and rehearse skill
- Appropriate clothing for skill
On the day:
- Notify staff of arrival
- Inform of any medical problems or symptoms
We require simulated participants to carry out their roles in a highly consistent fashion. This creates equal circumstances for selection, teaching and assessment of students.
-
What is involved in history role-play?
When role-playing a history – only answer when specifically asked a question, for example, when asked, “What problems brought you here today?” state “Chest pain”. Rather than answering “Central Chest pain for the last 3 months”.
- Is video recording involved?
At times for educational purposes we may video-record a session or place photographs on our website. If you are unhappy about this please inform the staff prior to the session.
- Will I receive payment?
Yes. SPs are paid an hourly rate of £14.30.
Further Information
INFORMATION LEAFLET
Apply
Application Form