Inclusion or exclusion – recruiting Black and Minority ethnic community individuals as simulated patients

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore perceived barriers to the recruitment and retention of Black and Minority Ethnic community individuals partaking in healthcare education role playing activities using simulated patient scenarios. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted with a self-selecting, convenience, sample of 25 participants from Black and Minority communities using one-to-one and group interviews to elicit data. Ethical approval was successfully received from the University. Findings – Five broad emergent themes were identified: language, knowledge, power, inequalities and inclusion. Originality/value – The participants' sharing of their own experiences developed a feeling of personal achievement through an understanding in others of their own community and values.