LAUSR

Editor – It was with great interest that we read the work by Laughey et al. concerning those qualities that simulated patients (SPs) deem important for effective communication. We would agree that interaction with SPs is positioned to foster such positive attributes, which promote a holistic and patient-centred approach to the consultation. However, we would like to draw attention to a distinct group of medical educators: ‘patienteducators’ (PEs). These are real patients whose perspectives enable students to conceptualise effective communication in a unique way. As medical students who have worked alongside PEs to deliver teaching sessions to our peers, in addition to having engaged with PEs and SPs for our own education, we believe that we are well placed to highlight the unique insights both groups are able to offer the student.