Using simulation stethoscopes to support physical exam skill development in health professionals education: A scoping review of educational applications and outcomes

Background

Developing physical assessment skills relies on practicing with healthy peer learners and standardized patients or simulating pathologic sounds with mannequins. Simulation stethoscopes bridges both by offering learners an opportunity to communicate with a live patient and hear pathologic sounds.

Objectives

This scoping review aims to map the use of simulation stethoscopes in health professions, describe how they are integrated into training, and identify further research opportunities.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework with advancements by Levac and colleagues. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and bibliographies of included studies. Eligible studies involved simulation stethoscopes used in health professions education. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and mapped outcomes. Study characteristics, populations, learning objectives, disease states, and simulation design were analyzed descriptively.

Results

Six studies were included. These studies were published between 2011 and 2023 and conducted in the USA (n = 5) and UK (n = 1). Study populations included pharmacy students, paramedics, medical students, physician residents, and physiotherapists. Simulation stethoscopes were used during respiratory, cardiovascular, and acute paramedic scenarios on standardized patients, peer learners, and mannequins. Mapped outcomes included physical exam knowledge, technique, interpretation of findings, confidence, fidelity, and simulation evaluation.

Implications

Studies demonstrated the flexible use of simulation stethoscopes among healthcare professions by providing high realism with a focus on skills development and learner confidence. Further research on the role of simulation stethoscopes in teaching physical assessment, including their benefits and implications for student learning and confidence, especially among pharmacy professionals, would be beneficial.