The Application and Integration of Evidence-Based Best Practice Standards to Healthcare Simulation Design: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Studies of simulation-based education report students are satisfied with simulated learning and that simulation effectively improves their psychomotor skills and knowledge. Yet, quality in the design, delivery, and execution of simulation learning is reported as inconsistent. Simulation learning activities need to be appropriately designed and delivered utilizing rigorous frameworks and best practice standards to assure learner preparedness. The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice were designed to address this issue and support multiple disciplines through 10 Standards of Best Practice, with criterion for each, and a Glossary of Terms. This review reports that very few articles clearly articulate how simulation activities tangibly align to the standards and criterion, making it difficult for simulation educators to design and deliver consistently high-quality simulation-based education, aligned to best practice standards.