The University of New South Wales’ Faculty of Medicine presents The Online Simulated Patient Interactive Assessment program (OSPIA). This has been designed to provide UNSW Year 1 and 2 medical students more opportunities to develop respectful, caring and effective interactions - something we all want from our future doctors!

Volunteers will act as Simulated Patients (SPs) and make appointments with students. Each appointment (including assessment) lasts approximately 30 minutes. SPs are given a scenario complete with all the information they need to share with the student. This fictional medical history means volunteers won’t use their own medical details. This interview process with the medical student occurs online and not via a telephone.

Minimum age 18 years.

You will need to:

• use a laptop or desktop PC - NOTE: iPads cannot be used
• download the Firefox or Chrome browser
• give your consent to be part of the UNSW Medicine research program.
• fill out a form at the end of the appointment to rate the performance of the student.
• have the ability to express feedback clearly in a written form.
• have strong listening skills.

By providing feedback immediately after the 15 minute appointment, you will help the student understand what they did well and what they need to work on. So, you do need to be comfortable assessing students at the end of the interview. You will need to allow around 30 minutes in total for each session.

Ideally, you would be available for short periods of time, but there are further sessions throughout the year.

Benefits:

• You can participate from almost anywhere, at any time by choosing appointment times on a calendar which students then respond to.
• It's a great way to get involved in helping future doctors learn crucial communication skills.
• You will be taking part in exciting, cutting-edge research in collaboration with the UNSW
• Volunteer from home.
• Great for anyone who likes to play a role/act.
• A good way to gain volunteer hours in an educational setting.