Videotaped Unannounced Standardized Patient Encounters to Evaluate Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Emergency Medicine Residents

Background Communication and interpersonal skills are important for effective patient care but are difficult to measure. Unannounced standardized patient encounters (USPEs) have the benefit of providing a standardized situation and provide a representation of usual care rather than best behavior, while also allowing for video recording without violating patient privacy. We conducted a feasibility pilot study to examine the use of videotaped USPEs in resident education of interpersonal and communication skills and specifically empathy. Methods This was a pilot study conducted at an urban community teaching hospital. About 16 first-year emergency medicine engaged in four videotaped USPEs during their normal clinical shifts during 1 academic year. All visible recording equipment was concealed from the residents. The standardized patients completed two assessment forms after each encounter to measure empathy. Results All 16 residents engaged in four videotaped USPEs for a total of 64 encounters. Conclusions We were able to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using USPEs for assessment of resident interpersonal and communication skills.