Adapting “Patient Simulation” for an International Medicine and Surgery Course in Italy – A Review and Proposal

Short Communication/ePoster - Background The use of simulated patients, often portrayed by trained actors, has gained recognition as an effective educational tool in healthcare and scientific education. This approach allows learners to engage in realistic scenarios, fostering the application of the scientific method and precise use of scientific terminology. However, the extent to which simulated patients enhance these specific skills requires further exploration to consolidate its evidence base. Short Communication/ePoster- Summary of Work This review aims to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of using actor-based simulated patients to teach and reinforce the scientific method and the accurate application of scientific terminology. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Inclusion criteria encompassed experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies focusing on healthcare and science education settings. Data were extracted and analyzed to identify key themes and outcomes related to the development of critical thinking, hypothesis formulation, data interpretation, and the consistent use of scientific language. Short Communication/ePoster - Summary of Results The evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that the use of actor-based simulated patients can be an effective tool in teaching and reinforcing the scientific method and the accurate application of scientific terminology. The simulation-based approach allows learners to engage in authentic, immersive experiences that facilitate the application of scientific concepts and skills in a controlled environment. Short Communication/ePoster - Discussion and Conclusion Preliminary findings suggest that simulated patient scenarios provide a dynamic platform for learners to practice and refine their application of the scientific method. They also appear to enhance the consistent use of scientific terminology by offering immediate feedback and realistic contexts for communication. Given the evidence reviewed and the demonstrated effectiveness of this method, we propose integrating simulated patients as a teaching tool to improve Italian language proficiency in our English-taught international medical program. Despite promising results, further high-quality studies are needed to establish standardized methodologies and evaluate long-term impacts on professional competence. This evidence supports the integration of actor-based simulation. Short Communication/ePoster - Take Home Message(s) Actor-based simulated patients enhance scientific reasoning, communication, and language skills in medical education.