Dr. Mary O’Keefe had a special interest in evaluating communication skills in residents. However, there were no specific evaluation tools in place at Geisinger. Four years ago, Dr. O’Keefe developed the first Standardized Patients program. She and Dr. Michelle Thompson further refined it two years ago after attending a course at the Case-Macy Institute.

Every resident goes through a day long course each year, evaluating and refining communication skills. In a Standardized Patient Scenario, actors from The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Box of Light Theatre, and the Women’s Center play the roles of patients, with varying medical and social issues. The resident gets a brief summary of the scenario, and then interviews the standardized patient for 5 minutes. Each encounter is observed by a faculty member, and videotaped. After that time has elapsed, the faculty physician gives the resident feedback for five minutes. The resident works with a total of six standardized patients.

After the patient sessions, residents watch their tapes, and score their skills using a standardized rating form. They choose one encounter they would like to learn more about. Groups of three residents and a faculty member review and discuss these problematic sessions. Faculty members offer tips and provide different perspectives on effective communication. The goal of these sessions is to teach residents to communicate more effectively with patients in difficult situations.

Residents often report feeling unnatural in these sessions, but many find that they quickly get absorbed into the scenarios. Most report that the sessions are helpful in their day-to-day practice.