NUSSP Programme
NUS Standardised Patient Programme
What is a standardised patient (SP)?
A standardised patient (SP) is a person from the community who is trained to reproduce medical history, physical signs and emotional aspects that are present in a real patient. Standardised patients provide a valuable teaching tool in the education of healthcare professionals. Through their interaction with learners, they would assist in enhancing the teaching and evaluation of these learners.
Standardised patients provide a safe and risk-free opportunity for a learner in the healthcare profession to practise new skills and review existing ones without the time constraint of a busy clinical environment like a hospital or clinic. Standardised patients do not replace real patient experiences but provide a realistic simulated encounter to facilitate the learning of the student.
SPs are trained to portray patients according to the requirements of the assessment or teaching session. Detailed training is carried out before the actual session to ensure the quality of the portrayal meets the learning objectives. Scenarios are crafted based on learning objectives by the teaching faculty.
Who are we?
The National University of Singapore Standardised Patient Programme (NUSSPP) is a programme designed to train, monitor and improve the performance and contribution of the NUSSP to enhance the quality and maintain the high standard of education in NUS. The NUSSPP is an innovative and integral part of the university's education curriculum. The programme is led by faculty and educators with dedication and passion to bring the standards to new heights.
What does it take to be an SP?
You must be able to work well in a group and be able to receive feedback from your peers and trainers. You should have an interest in education and interacting with people. The assignments you receive will be on an ad hoc basis. Invitations to assignments and updates from the programme will be sent to you via email. You must be punctual and reliable. You should also have a good memory so that you can learn the details of the required scenarios. Be willing to challenge yourself in different roles that require different levels of emotional expression.
How can you be part of the NUSSPP community?
All potential SPs must meet the following initial requirements:
- Be healthy physically and mentally
- Be able to read and write in English fluently
- Are Singapore citizens or permanent residents
- Be at least 21 year of age
- Have an active e-mail address and mobile phone
If you meet the requirements and are interested in becoming an SP, please send us an e-mail to medbx227@nus.edu.sg. We will contact you before our annual recruitment drive. You will then be asked to submit an application online. Please be aware that submission of application does not constitute acceptance. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. After the interview, if you are considered for the programme, you will be invited to attend a Foundation Course. Upon completion of the Foundation Course, you will then be notified in writing if you have been accepted into the programme.
For faculty or educators
If you are interested in using SPs in your teaching or have any other questions about SPs, please email us at medbx227@nus.edu.sg indicating “NUSSP” as a subject. We do organize workshops for users and trainers at the Centre for Healthcare Education in NUS or at medical education conferences.