This educational resource provides two standardized patient–based simulation scenarios designed to elicit and examine clinical reasoning in the outpatient primary care setting. The scenarios—focused on diabetes and angina—incorporate diagnostic ambiguity and contextual factors to challenge learners’ reasoning processes. Each simulation is paired with structured support materials, including door information, standardized patient scripts and rehearsal guides, storyboards, post-encounter written exercises, and a think-aloud reflection protocol. The activity can be used for both educational and research purposes to support instruction, assessment, and analysis of clinical reasoning among physicians at varying levels of training.
Target Learners
- Internal medicine residents
- Family medicine residents
- Attending physicians
- Medical educators interested in teaching or studying clinical reasoning
- Learners ranging from interns to experienced clinicians
Equipment and Materials Needed
- Trained standardized patients (for diabetes and angina cases)
- Examination rooms or outpatient clinic simulation space
- Printed or electronic materials, including:
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- Door information sheets
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- Standardized patient case scripts
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- Standardized patient rehearsal guides
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- Scenario storyboards
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- Post-encounter written response forms
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- Think-aloud instructions and reflection prompts
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- Cognitive load and scenario authenticity questionnaires
- Timing device (clock or timer)
- Writing materials or computers/tablets for post-encounter documentation
Estimated Time to Complete the Activity
- Per scenario: Approximately 45–60 minutes
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- Patient encounter: ~15–20 minutes
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- Post-encounter written exercise: ~10–15 minutes
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- Think-aloud reflection: ~15–20 minutes
- Total time (both scenarios): Approximately 90–120 minutes, depending on implementation format and learner level