The future of simulated patient methodology

This chapter summarizes the current and future advances in simulated patient (SP) methodology. It discusses some of the tensions in the SP methodology when those who are portraying roles are also examining, lecturing or supervising learners, and suggests that this is an important area for future research. The scope of SP practice is constantly expanding. Technological development brings the promise of new opportunities for SP practice. SP practitioners are working more closely with simulationists who specialize in teaching with other simulation modalities. This is likely to advance all healthcare simulation education and result in a blurring of boundaries. The developing interplay between SP methodology and both simulation-based education in specific and health professional education in general, highlights the potential value of an SP practitioner with educational, simulation and communication skills expertise.