Engaging children and adolescents as simulated patients (SP) in health professions education

Children and adolescents are sporadically involved in health professions education as simulated patients – lay persons trained to act as real patients. This research explored the experiences of young simulated patients and health professions educators to facilitate a deeper understanding of the factors impacting on their engagement. Although perspectives were diverse and the actual need to engage them challenged by educators, the most significant findings relate to children/adolescents. Child and adolescent simulated patients experience power imbalances, a potential for harm exists and there is an ethical imperative to safeguard their wellbeing. These three elements combine to make involving CASPs in education a challenging notion.