Peer patient round table: An innovative approach for evaluating clinical performance for nurse practitioner students

Clinical performance is a crucial part of evaluation in nurse practitioner education and has traditionally been accomplished through faculty site visits. The evolution of distance learning and on-line programs along with the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated completing site visits, requiring innovative strategies. ‘The Peer Patient Round Table (PPRT)’ was developed as an innovative evaluation method of student performance. It utilizes the standardized patient simulation concept and shared role-play modality via a telehealth platform. During the PPRT evaluation session, students were involved in a shared role-play of three roles; as a patient, a nurse practitioner student, and a preceptor in individual scenarios. A family nurse practitioner program at Radford University, located in Southwest Virginia, incorporated the PPRT method as the alternative student evaluation method starting May 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic for the last two years. After the first year of implementation of the PPRT, students and faculty were surveyed about the effectiveness of PPRT as a clinical evaluation method as well as their satisfaction with the modality. This article discusses the details of the PPRT procedures, PPRT experiences from faculty and students along with lessons learned.