Medical consultation simulations and the question of the actors - simulated or standardized patients

The simulated or standardized patients play an increasingly role in the training of health professionals by simulation. Either professional or amateurs performers, and sometimes " real " patients, called expert patients, are acting. Actor training and preparation to achieve the simulation sessions should be rigorous. With afew exceptions, improvisation is not appropriate. The actors have rights (image, psychological support, compensation ...) but also duties (training, commitment, evaluation ...). Their participation in debriefings can be particularly useful for learners, under the control of trainers. The realism they contribute to the training simulation is an indisputable teaching tool.