Use of clinical simulation for bioethics training in health. A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Bioethical training in health professionals is essential to ensure competent medical practice from a technical perspective, conscious and sensitive to the ethical implications of their decisions and actions.

Objective: This study sought to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the use of clinical simulation for the bioethical training of health professionals.

Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out under the publication methodological recommendations of Cochrane and PRISMA. Experimental, quasi-experimental, pilot study, post-observational and case studies were included. The information search was carried out in the Scopus database, in a quartile between Q1 and Q4, with an observation window between 2011 and 2024, without restriction on age, gender and language.

Results: It was determined that bioethical training through clinical simulation brings positive gains regarding ethical principles, professional practice, ethical dilemmas, moral imagination, ethical behavior, and clinical ethical consultation.

Conclusions: Clinical simulation in bioethics has the potential to improve ethical knowledge, promote greater ethical awareness, and increase participants’ confidence in applying ethical reflections and reasoning in their daily practice. The results highlight the importance of the realistic and emotional nature of the simulation, as well as the preference for this modality as an effective way to teach health ethics.