Postgraduate anaesthesiology education: protocol for a scoping review

The link between education and clinical practice is vital, yet the current state of research suggests there is a substantial gap between medical education research and practice. This too is the case in the domain of anaesthesiology education research, as much of the research focuses on simulation studies, and a narrow range of research methods. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review the existing literature in postgraduate anaesthesiology education research in order to identify key research priorities. The findings from this review will be used to establish a base for developing a strategic research programme in anaesthesia education and practice.

We will employ the scoping review methodology outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) to comprehensively search the literature pertaining to postgraduate anaesthesiology education. We will search relevant electronic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and grey literature. After conducting calibration exercises, two authors will independently apply inclusion criteria to all titles and abstracts and perform full-text review of all eligible articles. Data to be extracted will include basic information about the study (eg, location, design) as well as detailed information regarding the context of the research and type of education examined. Our results will be used to develop a framework of themes that outline the research currently being conducted and identify gaps in research.

This review is the first step in a strategic research plan in postgraduate anaesthesiology education. We plan to disseminate this research through publications, presentations and meetings with relevant stakeholders. Ethical approval was not sought for this scoping review.