Using Standardized Patients to Teach Leadership Competencies

Abstract 

Faculty at a Midwestern college designed a simulation experience that used standardized patients to help students develop leadership skills and increase awareness of quality and safety competencies required of the new graduate. Students were responsible for task delegation, prioritization decisions, and allocation of resources for a team of patients. Standardized assessment scores and student mindfulness of leadership and quality and safety proficiencies showed improvement. Independent parametric testing results indicate a significant increase in the group that was administered the standardized assessment after the simulation, t(64) = 3.55, p < .01). Student evaluations suggest the use of complex scenarios involving standardized patients provided an opportunity to apply leadership principles to realistic patient care experiences.

KeyWords: education–practice gap, leadership competencies, QSEN competencies, simulation, standardized patients, transition to clinical nursing practice