JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The global shortage of nursing and other healthcare professionals threatens the stability of healthcare systems. Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1995 and 2010, represents a critical cohort for the future of the healthcare workforce. Educational institutions are in the process of adapting teaching strategies to address learning preferences and expectations of this generation, to teach effectively, and prevent attrition. While some evidence exists regarding Gen Z nursing students, there seems to be limited data about students in specialized healthcare fields such as pediatric nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiology assistance, and paramedicine. Provided students in these programs often focus on vulnerable patient populations and must navigate technologically complex environments, the development of targeted teaching methods should be informed by data from these cohorts.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the learning preferences of Generation Z students in selected healthcare disciplines.This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the learning preferences of Generation Z students in selected healthcare disciplines.

Methods:

This review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search strategy includes three stages: a preliminary search in PubMed, a comprehensive search across multiple databases, and a reference list screening. Studies focused on Gen Z university students enrolled in pediatric nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiology assistance, and paramedicine programs will be included. Studies that include other generations or disciplines, such as medicine or general nursing, will be excluded. Data extraction and analysis will follow Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and both qualitative and quantitative findings will be synthesized narratively and descriptively. A broad research team provides multidisciplinary expertise, enabling a team approach and conflict resolution during the review process.

Results:

The search was conducted on December 18, 2024, across Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Academic Search Ultimate. Screening of 590 unique records identified 2 eligible studies. The decision to extend the search was made, and the Open Science Framework registration was updated. Embase and Emcare search was conducted in July 2025 and yielded 48 records. Following duplicate removal, 35 records underwent title and abstract screening. At the time of reporting, the research team is due to review the full texts and reference lists of 8 studies in December 2025, to be followed by data extraction and analysis.

Conclusions:

This review is expected to generate an evidence-informed overview of the learning preferences of Generation Z students across the selected healthcare disciplines. By identifying existing gaps and opportunities, the review aims to guide future research, curriculum design, and policy initiatives that strengthen the preparedness and retention of the upcoming healthcare workforce via tailored educational approaches. Clinical Trial: This review is registered on Open Science Framework DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UMD7X.