Benchmarking person-centered simulated participant programs: A Delphi consensus study in an Australian context

Background:
Simulated participants (SPs) are well established in health education. Frameworks exist for benchmarking quality Simulated Participant Programs (SPPs); however, there is limited literature evaluating these frameworks in an Australian context and from the perspective of SPs. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of SPs and SPP faculty in Australia on a benchmarking tool.

Method:
Using a three-round modified Delphi technique, a panel of SPs and SPP Managers (N = 37) rated the importance of 18 statements derived from Health Education England's (HEE) SP Common Framework. Consensus was defined as 80% agreement. Qualitative comments were sought to contextualize responses and provide insight into factors perceived to contribute to a high-quality SPP.

Results:
Seventeen of the 18 statements within the HEE SP Common Framework reached consensus by the end of Round three. The item that did not reach consensus related to the importance of a SP program documenting SP completion of training. Thematic analysis indicated perceived characteristics of high-quality SPPs related to: employing the ‘right people’, clear and transparent communication, valuing the SP, a collaborative approach, and professional development.

Conclusions:
Overall, the HEE SP Common Framework was perceived by both SPs and SPP Managers to be applicable in an Australian context, with the suggestion the framework be extended to encourage SPPs to have an explicit recruitment strategy to employ SPs that represent diverse and priority communities.