The impact of repeated simulation on health and healthcare perceptions of simulated patients.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of simulating medical conditions on simulated patients (SPs). Main points of interest are influence on: perception of personal health and perception of their relation with the health care provider (HCP), personal well being.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight experienced, well-selected SPs involved in communication training at the medical faculty of Ghent University. Content of the data were analysed qualitatively.


RESULTS
SPs believe that their medical knowledge improved, which changes their health-seeking behaviour. Simulating made SPs realize that being a doctor is difficult, making them more critical towards their own GP. SPs enjoy their work; they feel happy and content afterwards. Negative effects are stress, anxiety, exhaustion, dissatisfaction and sleeping problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The perceived 'increased knowledge' leads to a different way of dealing with symptoms. It is positive that SPs are more critical towards their GP, this leads to a more equal relationship. The effects of stress and anxiety probably contribute positively to the performance. Dissatisfaction, anxiety and sleeping problems could be work-related and consequently occur in practicing other occupations.


CONCLUSIONS
Proper selection, preparation and guidance could minimize the problems encountered during simulation.
Boerjan
Martine
M
Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Boone
Frederik
F
Anthierens
Sibyl
S
van Weel-Baumgarten
Evelyn
E
Deveugele
Myriam
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004501:Education, Medical; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D016272:Occupational Health; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013315:Stress, Psychological