JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Advancements in technology have enhanced education, training, and application in healthcare. However, limitations are present surrounding the accessibility and use of simulation technology (e.g., simulators) for health professions education. Improving the accessibility of technology developed in university-based research centers by non-profit organizations (NPOs,) (e.g., hospitals) has the potential to benefit the health of populations worldwide. One example of such technology is three dimensionally (3D) printed simulators.

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify how the use of open-source databases for the distribution of simulator designs used for 3D printing can promote credible solutions for healthcare training while minimizing the risks of commercialization of designs for profit.

Methods:

This scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework (2005) and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO will be searched with an applied timeframe of 2012 to 2022. Additionally, grey literature will be searched along with reference list searching. Articles that explore the use of open-source databases in academic settings and the healthcare sector for the distribution of simulator designs will be included. A two-step screening process will be administered to titles and abstracts, then full texts, to establish article eligibility. Screening and data extraction of the articles will be completed by two reviewers for quality assurance. The scoping review will report information on the facilitation of distributing 3D-printed simulator designs through open-source databases.

Results:

The results of this review will identify gaps in forming partnerships with NPO’s and university-based research centers to share simulator designs. The scoping review will be completed by December 2024.

Conclusions:

The information collected will be relevant and useful for stakeholders such as healthcare providers, researchers and NPO’s for the purpose of overcoming the gaps in research regarding the use and distribution of simulation technology. Preliminary searches indicate that available databases used for the distribution of 3D-printed simulators do not address the research question. Thus, a digital repository will be selected to guide further investigation of the research question.