A Scoping Review of Medical Laboratory Science and Simulation: Promoting a Path Forward with Best Practices

Abstract

Objective: In medical laboratory science, there is a need to enhance the clinical learning curriculum beyond laboratory skill and diagnostic interpretation competency. Incorporating simulation presents an opportunity to train and produce medical laboratory scientists with the skills to communicate and work effectively in an interprofessional healthcare team.

Methods: A scoping review was performed to (i) understand the landscape of research literature on medical laboratory science and simulation and (ii) provide a path for future research directions. The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Standards of Best Practice: Simulation were used as a guiding framework for literature that described simulation activities.

Results: Out of 439 articles from multiple databases, 32 were eligible for inclusion into this review. Of the 14 articles that described a simulation activity, only 3 described or partially described each component of the best practice criteria for simulation. Articles that did not describe the design and implementation of simulation (n = 18) consisted of 7 opinion-based papers, 4 narrative reviews, 5 case reports, and 2 empirical papers.

Conclusion: Despite increases in medical laboratory science with simulation, there is a need for more detailed empirical studies, more studies with an interprofessional context, and more methodological rigor.

Keywords: collaboration; communication; interprofessional; medical laboratory science; simulation; teamwork.