Adapting Stanislavski’s Seven Questions for the Creation of Simulated Patients in Clinical Simulation

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to adapt Konstantin Stanislavski’s system of seven guiding questions into four essential inquiries for the preparation of simulated participants in clinical simulation, thereby enhancing the coherence of performances and their alignment with pedagogical objectives. Central analysis of the topic: The proposal is based on an integration of theatrical and medical literature, combined with reflective analysis of practical experiences in clinical simulation. Through this interdisciplinary approach, Stanislavski’s framework is reorganized into a simplified model tailored to the educational context, addressing the needs of both actors and simulation specialists. The synthesis reduces the original seven questions to four core inquiries: Who am I? When is it? Where am I? What do I want? These questions organize key information regarding patient identity, temporal and spatial context, and motivational objectives. The tool facilitates communication between actors and simulation specialists, optimizes preparation, and ensures performances that are realistic, reproducible, and pedagogically functional. A central contribution lies in distinguishing between the patient’s objective and the pedagogical objective of the scenario, thereby resolving common tensions between dramatic plausibility and educational utility. Conclusion: The adaptation of Stanislavski’s questions provides a conceptual and operational framework that strengthens the preparation of simulated participants, enhances narrative and emotional coherence in scenarios, and amplifies their formative impact. By recognizing the simulated patient as a pedagogical agent and aligning performance with defined educational goals, this tool consolidates clinical simulation as an integral pedagogical practice.