WinDix Training Manual for Standardized Patient Trainers: How to Give Effective Feedback

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The WinDix Training Manual was developed for standardized patient (SP) trainers. With the advent of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination, more medical schools in the US are using SPs in teaching and assessment. Many SPs are very competent and comfortable with performing the cases and evaluating students using checklists, however, they may not be good at giving effective feedback. This manual is designed to train SPs and SP trainers to provide more effective feedback. Methods The skills of the SPs are tested after training by having them analyze video clips, with emphasis on the active participation of the SPs. Results The integration of this manual into SP training has significantly improved the quality of feedback given by SPs at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Anecdotal reports from SPs reveal that they had greater confidence in giving feedback to students. Careful review of videotapes showed that the SP feedback was more specific. Students state that the feedback they receive from SPs is specific enough to make behavioral changes. Student evaluations show increased satisfaction with SP encounters after the feedback training, compared with the level of satisfaction before the training. Discussion The SP training manual effectively trains SPs to give more detailed feedback to students in a way that can translate to a behavioral change.

Keywords

• Teaching
• SP Education
• Training
• Clinical Competence