Capturing and cultivating the simulated patient/participant (SP) experience: a qualitative study exploring how the perspectives of SPs can inform the co-production of an orientation resource guide.

Introduction: Simulated patients, participants and persons (SPs) are valued members of simulation teams. For people new to working as SPs, there are unique orientation requirements. This project sought to co-produce a resource package with SPs to facilitate orientation to the philosophy and foundations of health simulation, the type of work SPs do and to the structures and environments in which health simulation may be undertaken.

Aims: To explore and describe SPs' perceptions of their role in health simulation, the things that inform and influence their work, and SP recommendations for orienting new people to health simulation and this type of work.

Methods: Focus group discussions were hosted to construct a narrative with and from people who work as SPs, for the purpose of informing an online resource for new SPs. Data were analysed using Braun and Clark's Experiential Thematic Analysis methods to address project aims.

Results: Twenty-three SPs participated, contributing their thoughts, experiences and ideas. Data from transcripts were analysed thematically, resulting in three themes, and 11 sub-themes. The broad themes describe (1) The Purpose (why the SP role is valued); (2) The Job (what we do as an SP) and (3) The Craft (how we work as an SP) from the perspective of participants. Specific recommendations for course content were described and integrated into a new non-award, open-access resource for new SPs.

Conclusion: Findings from this study contribute to the ongoing and expanding understanding of the SP role and the perspectives of people who work in the social practice of health simulation.