Potential of using simulated patients to study the performance of general practitioners.

A review of the literature on the use of simulated patients is presented. While simulated patients have become established for the education of medical undergraduates, international work suggests that they may also be of value for studying the performance of established general practitioners. A preliminary study is described in which simulated patients were used at practices in Cardiff. Roles were developed which would stimulate a discussion focusing on health risks. No particular practical problems were encountered but concerns were expressed about the validity of the data. Suggestions are made for the further development of the use of simulated patients.