Evaluating the Effectiveness and Acceptance of Online Diversity Training: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background The healthcare sector faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals, necessitating recruiting foreign-trained workers. Increasing workplace diversity, not only in terms of nationality but also age, gender, profession, values, and attitudes, presents challenges for team collaboration. Online diversity training has been suggested to foster integration and improve teamwork in diverse healthcare environments. However, evidence on the acceptance and effectiveness of various training methods in online diversity programs for healthcare personnel remains limited. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the databases PubMed, Business Source Premier, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. The review included empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024 in English and German that evaluated online or hybrid diversity training programs. Results Of the 4,110 studies identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (n = 14) were conducted in the United States. The training duration varied from one hour to several weeks, with most studies focusing on cultural diversity (n = 16). The training formats ranged from live online lectures to self-paced e-learning modules and VR simulations. Findings suggest that online diversity training increases diversity awareness and competence. Participants reported enhanced self-efficacy, greater willingness to engage with personal biases, and improved knowledge. Some studies also identified behavioral changes following training. Conclusions Online diversity training effectively enhances diversity competence, improving teamwork in diverse settings. However, technical and organizational challenges may hinder implementation. Future research should explore long-term effects and best practices for integrating online diversity training into professional development programs. Key messages • Online diversity training enhances awareness, competence, and behavioral engagement in diverse healthcare teams. • Organizational and technical barriers need to be addressed for effective implementation.