Experiential learning for primary healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND

Improving the quality of primary healthcare services is one of the global health priorities. Literature shows that the incompetency of healthcare providers has the potential to negatively affect the quality of the services provided. Experiential learning is one of the educational models that can be used to help improve healthcare service delivery. The main objective of this study is to systematically map literature on the evidence of experiential learning for primary healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

This systematic scoping review's search strategy will involve the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSOhost (Academic search complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Addition, MEDLINE) and open access for unpublished theses and dissertations. Websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the departments of health website will be searched for policies and guidelines on experiential learning training programs. Following title searching, two-independent reviewers will conduct screening of abstracts and full articles. The screenings will be guided by the eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted from the included studies and the emerging themes will be analysed. The review team will analyse the implications of the findings in relation to the research question and aim of the study. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be employed for quality appraisal of included studies.

DISCUSSION

We anticipate finding a significant number of studies on the applications of experiential learning in resource-limited settings. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, peer presentations as well as presentations at relevant conferences.