ATSU holds open house for Standardized Patient Center
Posted: June 18, 2019
A.T. Still University held an open house for its Arizona-based Interprofessional and Culturally Proficient Standardized Patient Experience Center on Monday, June 17. Guests were invited to tour the center and observe several mock simulations.
ATSU’s Standardized Patient Center incorporates state-of-the-art technology with unique interprofessional learning opportunities for students in a variety of health sciences programs. The facility is open to ATSU’s medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students. Standardized patients are trained to accurately and consistently portray patients or family members during a simulated office visit, giving students the opportunity to practice physical exam skills, bedside manner, and patient communication.
During the open house, ATSU staff members led the following demonstrations:
- Age-simulation GERonTologic simulator (GERT) suit – The GERT suit simulates the effects of aging, teaching students empathy for older-adult patients.
- Physician assistant skills – Participants observed hands-on skills, including casting and blood draws.
- Standardized patient encounters- Participants observed several simulated patient encounters, including a demonstration with a standardized patient portraying a single mother experiencing homelessness.
- Communication drills – During communication drills, students learn to communicate effectively with patients who are dealing with tough issues, including abuse, suicidal thoughts, and terminal illness.
“We’re excited that we have the opportunity to utilize the center to educate ATSU students on a variety of healthcare skills,” say Lorree Ratto, PhD, director of medical simulation and standardized patients, and Lisa McNeil, standardized patient educator. “Our emphasis on building the connection between patients and providers, with a focus on empathy, rapport-building, interprofessional education and cultural competencies, aligns with the University’s mission to prepare highly competent healthcare professionals. The ability to use real people to interact with our students is an exceptional opportunity for the students to practice their interpersonal communication skills in a simulated clinical environment. In addition, the center creates a space to offer continuing medical education for ATSU alumni and the healthcare community.”