Mask-EdTM: A scoping review

Introduction: Simulation is commonly used in health professional education. Mask-EdTM is a novel form of teacher-in-role methodology involving the educator wearing a purpose-made silicone mask to become the simulated patient. The simulation unfolds spontaneously and in response to the students’ or cohorts’ knowledge, skills or learning objectives. The evidence to support adoption appears limited. This is significant given the resources required to establish a Mask-EdTMcharacter and the changes to courses educators will likely make to embed this simulation. This scoping review aims to explore the current literature and evidence base relating to Mask-EdTM.Methods: A scoping review was completed in September 2020 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Five databases and Google Scholar were searched for English, peer-reviewed publications containing variants of “Mask-Ed”. Screening and data charting were completed independently by both authors and then reviewed collaboratively. A descriptive analysis was conducted reporting findings based on study design. A thematic synthesis was completed for studies containing qualitative data.Results: Eighteen studies published between 2011 and 2020 by Australian universities and health institutions were included. Twelve studies reported on 10 unique datasets drawing on survey, focus group and mixed method designs. Two studies reported case studies without data, one study was on training and a final three provided research summaries or pedagogical discussion of Mask-EdTM. Conclusion: There is emerging evidence, self-reported by preclinical nursing students, that Mask-EdTM supports improved engagement and confidence in formative learning activities. There is limited evidence, however, to support use in other health or medical disciplines or in individual or summative assessment.