Scholarship of teaching and learning of nursing faculty members: a protocol for a scoping review

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is emphasised more than ever in today's higher education institutions. SoTL is crucial in enhancing nursing education and improving student learning outcomes, thereby preparing competent nurses to deliver high-quality healthcare. Despite its importance, the dimensions and defining characteristics of SoTL have not been adequately explored. This scoping review aims to clarify the concept of SoTL in nursing education, identify its key features and address existing knowledge gaps in this field.

The study adopts Arksey and O'Malley's established scoping review methodology, as defined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The research process is guided by five distinct phases: the initial formulation of research questions, identification of relevant studies, selection of studies, data extraction and compilation and, finally, synthesis and reporting of results.The inclusion criteria will be based on the Population, Concept and Context framework. A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, ERIC and grey literature sources, with no time limitations and ongoing updates until the study concludes.To ensure a comprehensive review, reference lists and citations of selected studies will also be examined for additional relevant sources. Duplicate studies and studies published in languages other than Persian or English will be excluded. Two independent reviewers will select studies based on eligibility criteria and screen the title, abstract and full text. Data extraction will be conducted using the standard JBI form. A directed content analysis will be undertaken to identify and clarify key concepts in the texts.

The Research Ethics Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences has approved this study. The results will be published in scientific publications and presented at relevant conferences.

The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VN5GD).