There is an increasing interest in using simulation in qualitative research outside evaluation of educational-based activities. To examine how data from simulation has been generated and used in qualitative research, we conducted a scoping review of research topics and data collection and analysis processes reported in qualitative research using simulation in the research method. Of the 665 articles that involved qualitative inquiry, 46 involved simulation in research independent from simulation-based education. Phenomena explored included communication and clinical decision-making during routine care and at highly sensitive times, such as the end of life, as well as the experiences when providing care in a variety of settings and patients, individually and within teams. Our findings highlight that simulation can be used for analysis of phenomena that are difficult for researchers to gain access to firsthand, and we discuss features for consideration when using simulation in qualitative health research.
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