title: The value of SPaCE in delivering patient feedback.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of simulated patients (SPs) within undergraduate medical curricula is an established and valued learning opportunity. Within the context of simulation, it is imperative to capture feedback from all participants within the simulation activity. The Simulated Patient Candidate Evaluation (SPaCE) tool was developed to deliver SP feedback following a simulation activity. SpaCE is a closed feedback tool that allows SPs to rate a student's performance, using a five-point Likert scale, in three domains: attitude; interaction skills; and management. This research study examined the value of the SPaCE tool and how it contributes to the overall feedback that a student receives.
  
  
  METHODS
  Classical test theory was used to determine the reliability of the SPaCE tool. An evaluation of all SP responses was conducted to observe trends in scoring patterns for each question. Qualitative data were collected via a free-text questionnaire and subsequent focus group discussion. It is imperative to capture feedback from all participants within the simulation activity
  
  
  RESULTS
  Classical test theory determined that the SPaCE tool had a reliability co-efficient of 0.89. A total of 13 SPs replied to the questionnaire. A thematic analysis of all questionnaire data identified that the SPaCE tool provides a structure that allows patient feedback to be given effectively following a simulation activity. These themes were discussed further with six SPs who attended the subsequent focus group session.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SPaCE tool has been shown to be a reliable closed feedback tool that allows SPs to discriminate between students, based on their performance. The next stage in the development of the SPaCE tool is to test the wider applicability of this feedback tool.
authors.affiliation: University of Dundee, Medical School, Dundee, Tayside, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clapham
authors.affiliation: University of Dundee, Medical School, Dundee, Tayside, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.affiliation: University of Dundee, Clinical Skills Centre, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, UK.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stirling
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D000068156:Formative Feedback; D006801:Humans; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015203:Reproducibility of Results