The use of standardized patients to teach low-literacy communication skills.
OBJECTIVE
To describe methods for incorporating standardized patients into health literacy training programs.


METHODS
We discuss aspects of program development that are relatively unique to this educational context.


RESULTS
Individuals were recruited to play the role of an average adult with limited health literacy. Methods of recruitment, training, and scenario development are discussed in detail.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardized patients can be valuable partners for teaching about low-literacy communication skills. Because of shared experiences, both actors and nonactors can effectively play a character with low health literacy.
Manning
Kimberly D
KD
Division of General Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. kdmanni@emory.edu
Kripalani
Sunil
S
D003142:Communication; D004522:Educational Status; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*