Respecting the absent patient in simulation education

Names are important, especially when they influence how healthcare professionals regard patients. Accordingly, the word 'dummy' is best avoided when referring to human patient simulation mannequins. Although the patient is physically absent from simulation-based learning scenarios, an environment of verisimilitude reproduces aspects of the social context of the relationship between caregiver and patient. Healthcare professionals should avoid disrespectful language when referring to mannequins that are patient surrogates in order to cultivate a habit of mind that translates to consistently respectful patient care.