Public and Simulated Patient voice in the assessment of professionalism on healthcare degree programmes.

Background: In 2019, an International Working Group on the Assessment of Professionalism (IWGAP) identified a lack of patient voice in the literature relating to assessment of professionalism. This study sought to gather public perspectives on professionalism and associated methods for assessment. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted to understand public perceptions of healthcare student professionalism and how these perceptions might inform future assessment practices. One hundred street surveys with members of the public were analysed and results were used as stimuli during two focus groups with simulated patients (SPs). Focus-group data were analysed in an iterative process to identify themes. Results: While 97% of survey respondents were in favour of assessing professionalism for undergraduate healthcare students, preferences for formal or informal assessments varied. 'Benevolence' and 'competence' were considered key components of professionalism, with 'Showing respect for patients and colleagues' ranked as the most important aspect. Seven focus-group themes were identified: presentation, attitudes and values, patient relationship and centredness, trustworthiness, timekeeping, knowledge, and formality and mode of assessment. Conclusions: While the public recognises the need to assess professionalism, healthcare programmes should re-assess the focus of examinations, which might prioritise aspects of professionalism deemed less important by patients.