Virtual simulation debriefing in health professions education: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the existing literature on virtual simulation debriefing methods utilized in health professions education.Introduction:Virtual simulation has emerged as a feasible alternative to in-person learning, allowing learners to continue their education despite constraints of space, finances, and clinical placement opportunities. Virtual simulation has proven to be a vital resource for health care students during the COVID-19 pandemic. While virtual simulation provides students with continued opportunities to develop knowledge and critical thinking in a safe environment, debriefing is a crucial step for successful knowledge uptake and deeper learning. Several studies have examined this topic in various health care settings; however, there are currently no scoping reviews that have explored virtual simulation debriefing in health professions education.Inclusion criteria:This review will consider primary and secondary source articles that explore debriefing of virtual simulation within any undergraduate or graduate health education programs. Any setting that provides virtual simulation and debriefing, in any country, will be included.Methods:The review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will search the following databases: Cochrane Library, JBI Evidence-based Practice Database, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, Nursing and Allied Health Database, and Web of Science. Studies published from 2016 onward will be considered. The data extracted will include specific details about the concept, context, studymethod, and critical findings relevant to the review objective. Data will be presented in diagrammatic or tabular format in a manner that aligns with the objective of this scoping review.Scoping review registration: :Open Science Framework https://osf.io/36s5x