HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Gimpel, J. R. Articles by Errichetti, A. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Gimpel, J. R. Articles by Errichetti, A. M.

From the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners National Center for Clinical Skills Testing (Dr Gimpel, Ms Weidner, and Ms Wilson) in Coshohocken, Pa; from the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (Dr Boulet) in Philadelphia, Pa; and from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology (Dr Errichetti) in Old Westbury.

Address correspondence to John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, 1010 W Elm St, Suite 150, Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2075. E-mail: jgimpel{at}nbome.org

Context: A 2001 survey of 19 colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) revealed that standardized patient programs (SPPs) are increasingly used in osteopathic medical education. However, no new data have been published since.

Objectives: To evaluate current SPP and mechanical simulator use at COMs compared with previous survey results.

Methods: In 2005, an electronic survey regarding the use of SPPs (eg, staffing, facilities) and mechanical simulators in the teaching and assessment of students' clinical skills was sent to the deans of the 23 fully accredited COMs and branch campuses.

Results: Responses were received from all 23 COMs for a 100% response rate. According to survey results, 19 COMs (87%) had active SPPs, 2 COMs (9%) reported that SPPs were in development, and the remaining 2 COMs (9%) used students as patients. In comparison, only 12 COMs (63%) in 2001 had active SPPs. Results indicated an increased use of standardized patients for assessment, particularly in physician-patient communication, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment. In addition, 12 COMs (52%) reported using mechanical simulators in the teaching or assessment of clinical skills.

Conclusion: From 2001 to 2005, the use of SPPs and mechanical simulators at COMs increased substantially.