Do Standardized Patients Improve Professional Athletic Training Students’ Confidence and Clinical Skill Set?: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Athletic training students’ (ATS) professional preparation includes both didactic and clinical education. Standardized patients (SPs) may also contribute to hands-on opportunities when there is limited exposure in the classroom or clinical setting.

Clinical Question: Do Standardized Patients Improve Professional ATS’ Confidence and Clinical Skill Set?

Summary of Key Findings: A literature search was conducted on SPs and how they affect ATS’ confidence and clinical skill set. Three studies discussing the use of SPs in athletic training programs were included. Two studies demonstrated improved interprofessional skills and communication. A third study demonstrated increased confidence in clinical skills.

Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence suggests that SP encounters improve ATS’ clinical skills and confidence. SPs allow students to gain exposure to certain skills or situations they may not have been exposed to during clinical education.

Strength of Recommendation: Based on the JBI Checklist for Qualitative Research all three articles should be included in this study.