Development of a standardized role script template for simulated participant scenarios – results of a multi-step consensus process in the German-speaking countries

Aim: The need for a scientifically founded role script template for simulated participants (SPs) arises from the great importance that SPs have for teaching and assessments in the health professions. Stakeholders have thus far developed their own scripts, making usage across institutions and professions difficult. The aim of this research project is therefore to develop an evidence-based, interprofessional role script template for simulated participants. Method: To integrate the diverse traditions and needs of the professional groups, a multi-stage developmental and consensus process, based on the Delphi method, was conducted by a working group of 19 members over 10 rounds. This process incorporated, among other inputs, the findings of a systematic literature review, feedback from a 24-member interprofessional expert panel, and 11 reviews by experienced SPs. Results: The template has 13 categories, and its modular structure allows for flexible use in teaching and assessment, vocational training, academic studies, as well as further education and training. The template is designed to be consistently interprofessional and suitable for use in the fields of occupational therapy, midwifery, medicine, speech therapy, nursing science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, emergency response services, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. Conclusion: The complex consensus process reflected the heterogeneity of SP practice in the health professions. Nevertheless, experiences were compiled in one template so that it is possible to interchange scripts between the professions and across institutions and to (further) develop them collectively. The next steps are to evaluate the template's usability and its ongoing development in the community of practice.