Simulated Participant Engagement in Communication Sciences & Disorders Programs: A Scoping Review

Introduction. Simulated participants (SPs) are widely used in medical and nursing education, but their application in allied health, including Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), remains limited. Despite accreditation standards supporting simulation in CSD training, student engagement with SPs is still uncommon. Objectives. This scoping review examined recent literature on SP use in CSD programs involving speech-language pathology or audiology students or providers. We explored how SPs were integrated and identified gaps for future research. Methods. Guided by PRISMA-ScR, we searched six databases and an internet search yielded one additional article. Studies published between 2019 and 2025 were included if they involved SPs and SLP or audiology participants. Data were charted and analyzed descriptively. Results. Twenty-five studies from various countries met inclusion criteria. SPs were used in roles beyond the patient (e.g., family members, healthcare professionals), in interprofessional simulations, and hybrid formats. Simulations addressed all core areas of CSD. Key areas for future research include evaluating the transfer of simulation-based learning to clinical practice and comparing peer versus professional SP engagement. Conclusions. Although SP methodology is well established in health care education, its use in CSD programs appears to have declined in recent years. SPs have been employed across a wide range of SLP and audiology practice areas, but broad and sustainable support remains limited. Strengthening the evidence base through focused research and building institutional commitment are essential to fully realize the potential of SPs in CSD education.