Implementation of standardized patient program using local resources in Avalon School of Medicine

Introduction: The standardized Patient Program (SPP) is astandard educational training method which provides the preclinicalstudents a better clinical foundation by linking the realmof clinical medicine to basic sciences. It incorporates a modernsimulation technique and enhances the ability of the studentswherein they can practice, apply and learn the basics of patientencounter. The main objective of this study was to analyze theimplementation and efficiency of the SPP in Avalon UniversitySchool of Medicine (AUSOM).Methods: A quasi-experimental “before-and-after” study designwas conducted among the 3rd Semester (MD3) medical studentsat AUSOM. 24 students voluntarily participated in the study. Theeffectiveness of the program was evaluated after comparing thesummative examination scores before and after implementationof the SPP (graded in 100 points system). Mean scores werecalculated and a comparison of the change in scores was made,using a paired t-test in Stata (©Stata corp).Results: The mean final summative clinical skills examinationscores of the students before and after the introduction of theSPP were 78.46±6.62 (SEM: 1.35, range: 89-70) and 86.54±6.41(SEM: 1.31, range: 98-65), respectively. There was a statisticallysignificant increment (t=5.5058, p=0.0001) in the scores of thestudents after the introduction of the SPP.Conclusion: Introduction and implementation of SPP at AUSOMat preclinical years increased the overall students’ performancein clinical skills. It is necessary that medical schools implementSPP early in preclinical years to strengthen learning and inoculatenecessary clinical skills in medical students.Education, Medical, Patient simulation, Clinical competence, Programevaluation