Standards for Scaffolding in Health Sciences Programmes: A Delphi Consensus Study

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Education
• Curriculum Development
• Pedagogical Standards

Background:

• Health sciences programs require robust scaffolding for complex learning.
• Current scaffolding approaches are fragmented and lack integration across curricula.
• No established standards exist for scaffolding in health sciences education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop consensus-based standards for scaffolding in health sciences programs.
• To address the need for a unified approach to scaffolding integration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an online modified Delphi technique following CREDES guidelines.
• Conducted an integrative review to synthesize evidence on scaffolding.
• Convened an international expert panel for refinement and validation.
• Employed descriptive and qualitative analyses for consensus and divergent views.

Main Results:

• Achieved consensus on four overarching standards and 27 criteria.
• Standards cover structuring activities, scaffolding resources, program structure, and instructional strategies.
• Involved 22 international experts with extensive experience in health sciences education.

Conclusions:

• Developed principle-based standards to direct and support scaffolding practices.
• Standards facilitate contextually sensitive scaffolding at macro, meso, and micro levels.
• Offers a framework for enhancing curriculum design and implementation in health sciences.