gms | German Medical Science

Background: The simulated patient (SP) methodology, originating in the 1960s, has evolved from a teaching tool to a valuable research approach in health services. SPs covertly assess healthcare practitioners’ (HCP) behavior or expertise, offering unique insights into healthcare delivery. While the utilization of the SP method in pharmaceutical services has been subject of several evidence syntheses, there is a lack of evidence syntheses investigating its application in other healthcare disciplines.

Objective: We aim to conduct a scoping review (ScR) providing an overview of the SP methodology in non-pharmaceutical settings.

Methods: This ScR is being conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Embase (Elsevier) for primary studies with the SP methodology in non-pharmaceutical settings, published in English or German since May 2004. Two reviewers screened records (titles and abstracts) and reports (full-texts) of potentially relevant studies. Disagreements were resolved by discussion or by involving a third reviewer. Data from included reports were extracted by one reviewer into an a priori developed data extraction table and verified by a second reviewer. We extracted data on study objectives, settings, specialties and professions of HCPs, forms of SP-HCP interactions, audit scenarios applied, and feedback provision to HCP. We plan to synthesize our findings narratively and present them with tables, graphs and figures where appropriate.

Preliminary results: After screening 1796 records and 214 reports, we included 166 relevant reports. The reports were published between 2004 and 2023. All of them described SP studies in outpatient settings, with many lacking reporting regarding the professions and specialties of the HCP, feedback given to them, and whether they were informed in advance about being assessed by SPs. Face-to-face interactions were the most common type, followed by telephone calls. Most studies examined access to, quality and availability of the healthcare services, with some evaluating the effects of interventions. A more detailed summary of results is ongoing and will be presented during the congress.

Implication for research and/or (healthcare) practice: We believe that our ScR will enhance awareness among healthcare services researchers of utilizing SP methodology beyond pharmaceutical services, discussing its main strengths and limitations and providing directions for further research.