Use of digital patients in clinical simulation for nursing education: a scoping review protocol

Clinical simulation represents an emerging educational technology delivered through software-based platforms, accessible via computers or head-mounted displays. It is characterized as a partially immersive, screen-mediated experience in which learners are placed in simulated roles that require the execution of psychomotor actions, clinical decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills.

This scoping review protocol follows the methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute and adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Comprehensive searches will be conducted across the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). In addition, gray literature sources will be explored through national and international repositories, including the Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the Electronic Theses Online Service (EthOS), the Open Access Scientific Repository of Portugal (RCAAP), the National ETD Portal, Theses Canada, the Portal de Tesis Latinoamericanas, and WorldCat Dissertations and Theses. The review seeks to address the question: "What evidence exists regarding the use of clinical simulation with digital patients in the teaching and learning process of nursing students?" Eligible sources will include studies with full-text availability, encompassing peer-reviewed research articles, theses, dissertations, and other relevant documents, without restrictions related to geographic location, publication date, or language. Data will be charted using a customized extraction form based on Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Quantitative findings will be summarized using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative evidence will be examined through thematic analysis. Ethical approval is not required.

Given the methodological nature of this study, formal ethical approval is not required. The findings are intended for dissemination through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at scientific conferences. To promote transparency and reinforce the originality of the review, this protocol has been prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Protocol registration in the open science framework (OSF): DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GAXR6.