A scoping review of remote facilitation during simulation-based healthcare education

Background Remote facilitation is a synchronous distance education method where instructors facilitate a lesson, in real-time, in physically separate conditions. In this scoping review, we aimed to describe types of remote facilitation used in a healthcare simulation, the influences on learner outcomes, and related factors. Methods We accessed PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and Web of Science using our search strategies. Five reviewers performed the review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework, and the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Results We included a total of 29 articles presenting 28 simulation studies. The most common tool was videoconferencing (n = 26, 89.7%). Knowledge improvement was the most frequently measured outcome. There was no significant difference in learning outcomes between the two teaching modes. There were differences in learners’ preferences and satisfaction with remote facilitators before and after COVID-19. Conclusions Our scoping review indicates that remote facilitation has been widely accepted in many healthcare professions using various types of simulation modalities. Remote facilitation can be used to overcome logistical problems of synchronous multi-location education, and to improve learner knowledge, skills, and confidence measured by instructor evaluation or self-assessment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04551-3.