2026 ASPE Annual Conference
Pre-Conference Workshop Abstracts
Pre-Conference Workshop Pricing -
Member - $175 per workshop
Non-Member - $200 per workshop
Saturday, June 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
Applying ASPE’s GTA-MUTA Standards of Best Practice (SOBP): From Principles to Practice
Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (part of the WashU med campus)
5th floor - Standardized Patient Program Center
520 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
ASPE’s GTA-MUTA SOBP delineate the principles, practices, and values that guide GTA-MUTA programs and learning encounters.1, 2 The purpose of this workshop is to provide attendees the opportunity to learn, share, and apply ASPE’s GTA-MUTA SOBP through case studies and to experience a hands-on GTA and/or MUTA encounter as a learner, if they choose. Participation in the hands-on GTA/MUTA sessions is optional; attendees may participate as learners, observe, or opt out.
This session is six hours in total, with a lunch break and multiple opportunities for attendees to participate, interact, and learn from each other. The World Café™ model—with progressive rounds of case studies wherein attendees can connect diverse perspectives and share collective discoveries based on emerging patterns and insights—will frame the exploration of four scenarios.3 Attendees will participate in four 15-minute facilitated case studies via discussions with experienced global leaders in the field, drawing on both their own experiences and the collective expertise of other participants.
Workshop objectives:
Following participation in this workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify the Domains, Principles, and Practices of ASPE’s GTA-MUTA SOBP;
2. Apply ASPE’s GTA-MUTA SOBP to different scenarios;
3. Determine applications to their own home program or institution; and
4. Understand the clinical and communication skills necessary to conduct breast, pelvic, genital, and prostate exams.
Presented by: GTA/MUTA SIG & WASHU
Sunday, June 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
SP Researcher 101: From Ethics Review to Publishing
Use of SP Methodology means growth in scholarly research and academic publishing, and SP Educators can/should be leaders in these initiatives1. This preconference workshop will focus on two major elements in the research process to promote scholarly activities: ethics review and manuscript publishing. The first half of the workshop will cover the rules surrounding the ethics of human research2,3. Case scenarios will be reviewed to determine their type of review and who is impacted including learners, SPs, etc. There will be time to discuss attendees’ questions related to their own research.
The second part of the preconference workshop will focus on demystifying the “author/authorship” in research publications and providing practical tips 4, 5 and consultations to help our audience better position themselves as an author in their research publication process. There will be opportunity for attendees who are thinking of publishing to discuss their next steps with the presenters in one-on-one or small group formats.
By the end of this interactive workshop, participants will leave with a clear understanding of key concepts in ethics review and research publishing, along with practical and customized strategies to successfully advance their scholarly work in SP methodology.
Workshop Objectives:
1. Explain the history and purpose of the ethics review board;
2. Define human subjects research;
3. Distinguish the difference between types of ethics review;
4. Examine case scenarios of healthcare simulation research;
5. Provide tips and resources for a successful researcher;
6. Define the author and authorship;
7. Learn the publishing process and when/how to negotiate authorship; and
8. Apply the concepts and practical tips in your manuscript publishing process.
Presented by: The Grants & Research Committee
Empowering Simulation Leaders and Managers Through Coaching Skills
In healthcare simulation, SP leaders and managers play a critical role in creating environments that foster engagement and growth for their teams (Motola et al., 2013). This interactive workshop will introduce three powerful core coaching skills to enhance leadership and management effectiveness, strengthen team members’ agency, and streamline the achievement of goals (Grant, 2014; Ladyshewsky, 2010). Through guided discussions and hands-on practice, participants will refine these techniques, culminating in simulated coaching sessions. By the end, attendees will be equipped to foster a more collaborative, growth-oriented environment and lead their teams with confidence. No prior experience with coaching is necessary to attend.
Workshop Objectives:
1. Clearly define coaching and distinguish it from mentoring and teaching;
2. Use questions to promote critical reflection and insight in team members;
3. Apply coaching techniques to encourage strengths-based growth and effective problem-solving; and
4. Develop a mindset to create and achieve actionable, measurable and sustainable goals.
Lead Author: Lou Clark
Co-Authors: Robert Kiser
Foundations of SP Methodology: Building, Applying, and Leading Your SP Program
The Foundations of Standardized Patient Methodology session invites novice Standardized Patient Educators (SPEs) and seasoned practitioners alike to engage in a foundational exploration of SP methodology and its practical application in contemporary simulation-based education. Led by experts from the ASPE Curriculum Development and Advancement Committee (CDAC), this pre-conference workshop centers on SPs’ contribution to learning experiences, assessment, and program governance in diverse educational contexts.
The workshop foregrounds the ASPE Standards of Best Practice (SOBP) for SP program design, governance, and day-to-day operations. Participants will encounter the ASPE case development template (1), training methodologies, and assessment tools that align with educational objectives, enabling SPEs to translate theory into practice (2, 3, 5). The session will cover policies and procedures that support successful SP program administration, including case portrayal standards, feedback mechanisms, de-rolling, and debriefing practices.
Throughout the session, attendees will engage with an instructional team that includes published SP methodology thought leaders and innovators. The content is designed to explicitly connect with ASPE SOBP (6) and ASPE Modules offered through the Center for SP Methodology. By the end of the workshop, SPEs will be positioned to advance their practice with greater confidence, clarity, and a shared professional vocabulary.
Workshop objectives:
1. Describe the human simulation continuum and the roles of simulated participants (SPs) and simulated participant educators (SPEs) across contexts;
2. Summarize the Standards of Best Practice (SOBP) for SP methodology and their implications for SP programs;
3. Explain recruiting a diverse, representative SP roster and why inclusivity matters in simulation training;
4. Propose strategies to manage an SP program;
5. Outline policies and procedures that support successful SP program administration;
6. Use a case development template aligned with educational objectives;
7. Compare and apply effective SP training methods, focusing on case portrayal and assessment tools;
8. Demonstrate feedback strategies in SP training and assessment; and
9. Explain de-rolling and debriefing practices to enhance learning for SPs and learners, prioritizing psychological safety.
Presented by: The Curriculum Development & Advancement Committee
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