Description

Position Overview

A "Standardized Patient" (SP) within the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy (KU SOP) is a person who has been trained to portray all of the characteristics of a real patient, family member, or clinical team member in order to provide an opportunity for a pharmacy student to learn, or be evaluated, on clinical skill performance. During teaching or assessment activities SPs may be interviewed, counseled, or physically examined (examples include blood pressure assessments, foot exams, simulated finger sticks for blood testing) by students as part of the learning environment. Additionally SPs lead student reflections after the encounters and are trained to provide verbal and/or written feedback, especially with regard to communication and interpersonal skills. SPs may be audio or videotaped during simulation.

The Performance Assessment Program of the School of Pharmacy needs an available applicant pool of persons from a wide range of backgrounds who are selected for specified cases. SPs will work on an as-needed basis with advance notice during the academic year. Number of hours will vary by assignment and programmatic needs. Those seeking regularly scheduled part-time work should note that this position will work "occasionally" and not consistently. The work is not weekly and would not compare favorably in total annual hours with regular part-time work.

Job Description

The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except for those that begin with the word "may". The basic function of a Standardized Patient is to simulate medical scenarios or cases with students/learners in teaching and assessment activities. SPs will be instructed and trained by an assigned SP Trainer for a given project. During teaching or assessment activities SPs should expect that the learner may interview, counsel and/or physically examine them.

The duties shall include the following:

• Simulate all aspects of scenarios, including history of current problem, affect/behavior and physical findings, in a standardized, accurate, and reliable manner
• Work in a professional manner when interacting with learners, faculty, simulation specialists, supervisors and peers
• Be comfortable having repeated physical examination maneuvers performed on self, such as blood pressure measurements
• Accurately recall and document aspects of learner performance
• Provide feedback to learners and colleagues in a constructive manner
• Accurately and consistently complete communication and/or skill checklists
• Objectively interact with and rate examinees of all backgrounds
• Accept ongoing feedback from facilitators and incorporate into case simulation
• Be willing to follow rules and procedures for the exam
• Be willing to be audio and videotaped during simulations
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with KU SOP personnel
• Able to work independently, after suitable training and onboarding
• Responsibly maintain own schedule - reliability and punctuality are essential
• Respond in a timely manner to communications from KU personnel

30% - Observe and document learner actions in staged professional encounters
30% - Represent specific patient or health care roles
30% - Lead participants to reflect on encounters using a student-reflective interview technique
10% - Other duties as assigned (e.g. administrative assistance, quality assurance, floor managing)

Position Requirements

1. Able to offer availability and be willing to work a varied schedule including mornings, afternoons and early evenings.
2. Have daily access to a computer for email and a willingness to use it regularly to communicate with the program.
3. Willingness to portray another person effectively and consistently in a standardized way.
4. Comfortable having repeated physical examination maneuvers performed on self.

Required Qualifications

1. Experience in the field of education or portraying an assumed role (e.g., previous SP work, former faculty, performed in theater productions, public speaking, teaching, related volunteer experiences, training or instructing adult learners, etc.).
2. High School Diploma or equivalent.
3. Strong reading and writing skills to absorb and use the detailed case training and exam procedural information as evidenced by application materials.
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with learners and other employees as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application will consist of the online application and a resume. Only complete applications will be considered.

Special search requirements: Proficiency in observation, case simulation, and leading post-encounter discussions of student's reflections, which will be demonstrated in a standardized case simulation conducted during an interview for the position. A case guide will be provided to applicants prior to interview.

Application review begins 9/22/2025 and will continue until all positions are filled.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.