Boost Your Therapy Skills with ASPE Standards of Best Practice!

The Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) has established the Standards of Best Practice (SOBP) to enhance the quality and integrity of standardized patient (SP) methodologies in educational settings. For practitioners in online therapy services, especially those working with schools, these standards offer valuable insights to improve your skills and ensure safe, effective simulations.

Why ASPE Standards Matter

ASPE SOBP provides clear and practical guidelines for educators who work with SPs. These standards are designed to ensure the growth, integrity, and safe application of SP-based educational endeavors. By adhering to these standards, practitioners can create simulations that are both safe and effective.

Five Key Domains of Best Practice

The ASPE SOBP is organized into five key domains, each with principles and practices that guide SP educators:

• Safe Work Environment: Ensure a safe psychological and physical learning environment for all stakeholders, including SPs, learners, and faculty.
• Case Development: Develop materials required for SP-based contributions to teaching and evaluation activities, ensuring they align with measurable learning objectives.
• SP Training: Prepare SPs to portray roles, give feedback, and complete assessment instruments accurately and consistently.
• Program Management: Administer SP services efficiently and cost-effectively, maintaining quality management practices.
• Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development to promote excellence in SP-based simulation practices.

Implementing ASPE Standards in Your Practice

Here are some practical steps to incorporate ASPE SOBP into your online therapy services:

1. Create a Safe Work Environment

Ensure safe working conditions by:

• Screening SPs to ensure they are appropriate for the role.
• Providing SPs with strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects of role portrayal.
• Establishing a process for debriefing and de-roling after simulations.

2. Develop Comprehensive Case Materials

Align your case materials with learning objectives by:

• Engaging relevant subject matter experts to assist in the creation of materials.
• Ensuring that cases are based on authentic problems and respect the individuals represented.
• Providing clear goals, objectives, and training resources for SPs.

3. Train SPs Effectively

Prepare SPs for their roles by:

• Reviewing key objectives, responsibilities, and the context of each activity.
• Engaging SPs in discussions and practice of role portrayal features.
• Ensuring SP readiness through repeated practice and targeted feedback.

4. Manage Your Program Efficiently

Administer your SP program effectively by:

• Articulating a mission statement and developing program goals.
• Documenting policies and procedures to guide program activities.
• Gathering feedback regularly to assess the alignment of program activities with objectives.

5. Engage in Professional Development

Promote excellence in your practice by:

• Maintaining membership in professional simulation societies.
• Engaging in educational opportunities such as conferences and courses.
• Contributing to the evolution of best practices through research and dissemination.

By implementing these standards, you can enhance the quality of your online therapy services and ensure the safety and effectiveness of your simulations.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practice (SOBP)