Teaching Patient Selection in Aesthetic Surgery

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of standardized patients for teaching patient selection in esthetic surgery. Six actors received detailed character descriptions. Each was interviewed by a resident for 30 minutes in a conference setting. Participants completed a questionnaire, and a discussion was held. Written simulations were administered before and after the sessions, from which a faculty standard was developed using hierarchical cluster analysis. Resident responses were compared with the standard using a squared euclidean metric. Residents' pre- and posttest scores were compared with the faculty standard using 2-way analysis of variance. Accuracy scores were found to be significantly lower (more accurate) after the training than before (P < 0.001). Upon a 6-item questionnaire, both faculty and residents agreed that it was a worthwhile exercise (faculty mean, 6.2 out of 7; resident, 6.3) and that the standardized patients were believable. Standardized patients can provide effective instruction in traditionally difficult-to-teach areas such as communication and patient selection.

Rhinoplasty Education Using a Standardized Patient Encounter

“…Additionally, OSCEs have been used to evaluate the individual core competencies of surgical residents based upon their interactions with a standardized patient [ 7 14 ]. Even with plastic surgery, OSCEs have been shown to be beneficial in teaching residents appropriate patient selection in aesthetic surgery [ 15 ]. This OSCE represents a realistic patient encounter that allows for assessment of the trainee's competency to interact with and evaluate a cosmetic patient.…”

Aesthetic Training in Plastic Surgery Residency

“…Another avenue for improving resident confidence in aesthetic surgery is the use of standardized patients to teach preoperative evaluation. Rinker et al 17 noted that residents at their institution found the use of standardized patients to be worthwhile in practicing patient selection and effective communication strategies, thus contributing to a trainee’s confidence. Such a method is routinely used in medical schools; so residents already have a certain level of familiarity with this process, enabling them to learn the nuances of patient interactions specific to an aesthetic practice in a low-stakes environment and with the additional benefit of patient feedback.…”

“… 4 , 15 , 16 Additional efforts to improve resident education include the development and enhancement of elective community rotations, incorporation of digital education resources, incorporation of simulation into training programs, and the utilization of standardized patients. 2 , 7 , 17 …”

An Evaluation of the Usefulness of the Standardized Patient Methodology in the Assessment of Surgery Residents' Communication Skills

“…14-16 Furthermore, they have been used to measure physician-patient communication and interpersonal skills reliably. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Thus, evidence on the usefulness of SPs in assessing communication is growing.…”