GlossaryGuide

Note: the term Standardized Patient is often synonymous with Simulated Patient

Etym. standard (n.) “authoritative or recognized exemplar of quality or correctness” (late 15c.). Meaning “rule, principal or means of judgment” is from 1560s. That of “definite level of attainment” is attested from 1711 (as in standard of living, 1903).

Etym. patient (n.) “suffering or sick person under medical treatment,” late 14c.

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954.

Definition

• A simulation using a person or persons trained to portray a patient scenario or actual patient(s) for health care education (Society for Simulation in Healthcare).

• A modality used for the purpose of practice, learning, assessment, or to gain an understanding of systems or human actions in which standardized (or simulated) patients play a central role.