Scoping Review of Simulation-Based Training for Social Determinants of Health Within Residency Programs

Background The topic of social determinants of health (SDH) is increasingly being integrated into medical education, yet there remains a lack of synthesized knowledge regarding how simulation is used to teach SDH in residency training. Objective To identify the extent and capacity in which simulation is being used to teach medical residents about SDH. Methods A scoping review was performed in 2023. A search using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid was performed using keywords related to SDH, simulation, and residency training. The subsequent results were then analyzed to see if they fit the inclusion criteria of being related to SDH, having occurred during residency training, and having used simulation in the curriculum. One researcher (N.T.) reviewed every article, and a second researcher (T.S.) verified a portion of the articles. Results Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The most used simulation method was patient-based scenarios (7 studies), followed by scenario-based learning, such as poverty simulations (5 studies). Financial instability was the most frequently addressed topic, appearing in 7 studies. Common themes drawn from the studies include a positive learner perception of using simulation to teach SDH (7 studies), perceived increase in resident knowledge of how to address patients' social needs (6 studies), improved ability to identify social risks (4 studies), a better understanding of SDH topics (4 studies), and enhanced knowledge of community resources (4 studies). Conclusions Simulation can provide various scenarios to learn about SDH in residency, and it is looked favorably upon by learners.