Best Practices for Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare Simulation Education: A Scoping Review

Jessica E. Marsack, Deborah Lee, Linda M. DiClemente, Melissa Bodi, Kimberley Clarke, Elizabeth S. Robison, Sandra Turnau, Laura Van Horn and Melissa A. Bathish ()
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Jessica E. Marsack: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Deborah Lee: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Linda M. DiClemente: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Melissa Bodi: Department of Nursing and Health Professions, Rivier University, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060, USA
Kimberley Clarke: Martha Mann Smith School of Nursing, Wake Technical Community College, Perry Health Science Campus, 2901 Holston Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA
Elizabeth S. Robison: Nursing Department, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville, FL 32578, USA
Sandra Turnau: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Laura Van Horn: College of Nursing and Health, Madonna University, 36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150, USA
Melissa A. Bathish: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: Educators must understand current practices and gaps in knowledge regarding environmental sustainability in simulation education to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste while still maintaining fidelity in simulation education. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to answer the PICO question, “In healthcare institutions and hospitals, what are the environmentally sustainable practices that can be translated into simulation labs as best practice?” Fourteen studies were identified through a search of seven databases, critically appraised, and analyzed. Three key themes emerged: (1) the 5 R’s, (2) getting people motivated, and (3) larger external collaboration. These themes highlight practical strategies and motivational factors for sustainable practices. An expanded 5 R’s framework (reduce, reuse, recycle, research, and rethink) was introduced to guide a holistic approach. The literature highlights the importance of education, stakeholder engagement, and clearly defined standards as key drivers for motivating individuals and teams to engage in sustainable behaviors. These efforts are most effective when supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory frameworks, national policies, and technological innovation. Sustainability initiatives should extend beyond individual institutions to foster broader systemic change.

Keywords: simulation; education; environment; sustainability; recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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