Volunteer Simulated Patient Programme
Volunteer Simulated Patient (VSP) Programme
In the first year of medical school, we aim to provide students with the opportunity to interview "patients" who present to their doctor with relatively uncomplicated conditions. We provide these early experiences of patient contact in the form of "simulated" patients, that is, people who pretend to be patients. The Volunteer Simulated Patient (VSP) Programme allows members of the public to participate directly in the education of student doctors by volunteering to be simulated patients.
- What does participating in the VSP Programme involve?
You will be asked to complete a series of questions prior to attending the session (Proforma) to help you think of a time when you (or someone you know well) was experiencing some symptoms and made a decision to go to the doctor (general practitioner). - At the session, you will be interviewed by medical students (each interview will be approximately 5 minutes).
- You will provide brief and focused feedback in the form of a written rating form which will be given to students. Guidelines for rating form
The sessions take place at Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ. The nearest Tube station is South Kensington.
Here are some examples of completed proformas to help guide volunteers in this process:
If you are interested in participating as a volunteer simulated patient, please contact Dr Peter Washer (p.washer@imperial.ac.uk).
Unfortunately we are unable to provide payment but hope that the experience is a valuable one for volunteers. It is highly valued by our students.
