Simulation is often regarded as one of the best training methods to teach healthcare providers hands-on clinical procedures and tasks. However, many of the skills required to build trust with patients can be taught using simulation as well.
Using standardized patients, who can mimic emotional and psychological displays, is one way to introduce skills related to listening, observing, and communicating. But, training can be taken one step further with the use of a full-bodied simulator, capable of receiving medical interventions.
Patients can become uncomfortable when things are being done "to them", especially when they don't understand the purpose or reason. Using a patient simulator can help healthcare providers to develop the necessary balance of providing explanations, keeping patients calm, and carefully performing clinical tasks at the same time.
This type of interactive training can foster strong communication habits that will lead to countless healthy and trusting patient-provider relationships.