The dramatic arts and simulated patient methodology

Abstract

Elements of simulated patient (SP) performance informed by dramatic arts theories include creating character, enacting the narrative and relating to the audience. This chapter explores the role of dramatic arts theories in SP methodology. It provides an overview of theoretical conceptions of SPs and performance. SP performance is frequently described with terminology taken from the dramatic arts. SP performances must be authentic in terms of both clinical details and the human experience represented because SPs are proxies for real patients. SPs and learners co-create the narrative of a clinical encounter. SPs often work from a semi-scripted scenario. Rehearsing SPs with various types of ant..