Deteriorating Patient

The Deteriorating Patient (Wiseman & Snell, 2008) is a low-fidelity simulation activity that provides medical students with opportunities for deliberate practice and feedback within a safe environment. The clinical teacher takes on the role of a patient with deteriorating vital signs. Students have to decide what steps to take in treating or stabilizing the patient, and the case evolves in response to the their actions. Throughout the activity, students get the opportunity to compare their thinking to an expert as well as to more senior students.