Advancing professionalization in human simulation: perspectives of SP educators from around the world on the Association of SP Educators Standards of Best Practice

Between 2013 and 2017, the Association of SP Educators (ASPE), a global organization of educators dedicated to the work of human simulation, developed Standards of Best Practice (SOBP) for working with human role players in simulation. These individuals are known by diverse terms, including simulated or standardized patients or participants (SPs). This study had two aims: (1) to understand the ways in which the ASPE SOBP are relevant to the practices of SP educators around the world, and (2) to identify improvements to the ASPE SOBP from a global perspective. This qualitative study was undertaken between January 2020 and July 2022. Subjects consented to audio-recorded interviews. A collaborative, inductive coding approach was adopted, followed by thematic analysis, aligned with the methods described by Braun and Clarke. Themes were further updated following reflexive conversations amongst the investigators at meetings over the course of several months and were aligned with the study aims. Twelve SP educators from six continents participated. Four primary themes were identified (each with multiple subthemes): influencing SP educator practices; advancing professionalization; identifying challenges to implementation; and bridging gaps in the ASPE SOBP. A diverse group of SP educators from around the world identified the ASPE SOBP in general as relevant and applicable to their practice. The standards provided both guidance and flexibility for working with SPs in a safe, effective and quality-based way. At the same time there were challenges noted and recommendations made that can help to inform future iterations of the standards.