APHA 2014 Poster Presentation

• Suzanne C. Smeltzer, RN, EdD, FAAN, College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
• Bette Mariani, PhD, RN , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
• Elizabeth Petit de Mange, PhD, RN , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
• Colleen Meakim, RN, MSN , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova
• Jennifer Ross, RN, PhD , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova
• Elizabeth Bruderle, RN, PhD , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
• Serah Nthenge, RN, MSN , College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

The use of standardized patients (SPs) with disabilities is largely unknown in nursing education. Anecdotal reports have suggested that use of SPs with disabilities is coercive and takes advantage of this “vulnerable population.” After two years of having SPs with disabilities interacting with undergraduate nursing students, we assessed the perceptions of SPs with disabilities and strategies to improve the experience through a qualitative study. A focus group and one phone interview were conducted with nine SPs with disabilities including post polio syndrome, spina bifida, stroke and amputation; their ages ranged from 32 to 82. Following IRB approval, SPs were asked about their motivation to participate, positive and negative experiences as SPs, and what could be improved about the experience.

Content analysis revealed themes: