Abstract
In Anglo-Saxon countries simulated patients (SPs) are common in medical education programs. The extent for which SPs are used is multifaceted and their roles include, among others, demonstrating symptoms for specific diseases and acting as patients for doctor-patient-communication as well as in oral examinations. In 2004, only one third of the German medical faculties used simulated patients for their education programs (e. g. in Medical Psychology). This article presents the use and advantages of simulated patients in teaching medical and communication skills as well as information on how to implement SP-programs. Concrete examples from different departments ofMedical Psychology in Germany (e. g. Hamburg, Freiburg, Jena, Leipzig) are provided in order to give an insight on how different teaching with SPs can be. Furthermore, suggestions are made for the curriculum and for the necessary resources to help future implementations of SP-programs.
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