Main Article Content

The effect of characterisation training on the congruence of standardised patient portrayals


I Treadwell
L Schweickerdt-Alker
D Pretorius
MD Hugo

Abstract

Background. Incongruence of standardised patient (SP) portrayals is  worsened when SPs are given basic scenarios and too little background information on short notice. Consequently, SPs are confronted with  questions they find difficult to answer owing to a lack of insight,  internalisation and association with the role.
Objective. To determine whether training in characterisation enhances the congruence of SP portrayals.
Methods. SP encounters were recorded, after which the participating SPs and students reflected on the congruence of the SPs’ performances. The
researchers analysed the videorecordings and reflections for incongruent behaviours. The findings were triangulated and themes of incongruency were established. The intervention comprised training of SPs in the creation of subtext (the story behind the story), characterisation, and linking to and making use of emotion memory, with the aim of rectifying the observed incongruent behaviours. Pre-training activities were repeated with Cohort 2 students.
Results. Two themes depicting congruence, i.e. internalisation of character and congruence of verbal and non-verbal communication, were identified.
Post-training outcomes revealed an improvement in all subthemes.  Applicable and real emotions, complementing verbal and non-verbal cues, gestures and appropriate use of voice and facial expression, led to believable/congruent role play and improved communication on various levels.
Conclusion. The post-training outcomes showed clear improvement  regarding the congruence of SP portrayals. The changes can be contributed to SP training focused on 3D character development by creating subtext, providing basic clinical information, emotion memory, acting skills,  managing energy levels, and not focusing on the scenario alone.

Journal Identifiers


eISSN:
print ISSN: