Experiences of standardized patient in LGBTI population and victims of sexual violence: a focus group study

Abstract

Introduction: Simulation-based education with standardized patients (SP) in high-fidelity scenarios is a tool for learning, skills development, and clinical competencies. Actors assume psychological risks when they portray these emotionally charged vulnerable patients.

Objective: Describe the experience of the actors (as SPs) during simulation sessions where they portrayed victims of sexual violence and LGBTI population and were attended by health professionals from the district.

Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted on the experience of actors who portrayed SPs in the cases described, from both the perspective of the interpreted patient and the actor. A focus group was held with the actors from the simulation sessions.

Results: Negative attitudes towards patients were identified, stemming from prejudices, lack of empathy, avoidance, among others. From the actors' perspective, significant emotional impact was generated, and the emotional burden and repetitions made it harder for actors to separate from their roles and affected their daily activities.

Conclusions: The need for SP simulation to sensitize healthcare staff was evident. The high emotional burden and the proximity of the cases to the actors suggests the need for psychological support.