Communication skills for the care of people with dementia: a scoping review of simulation-based training strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical communication with people with dementia presents complex challenges, largely due to the progression of cognitive-communication disorders. Clinical simulation has been proposed as an effective educational strategy to train communication skills in healthcare settings; however, its imple­mentation still lacks standardization. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on simulation-based training interventions targeting communication skills in students and healthcare professionals working with people with dementia. Materials or Patients and Methods: A scoping review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2012 and 2024, in English or Spanish, describing simulation-based interventions focused on communication with people with dementia were included. After screening and full-text analy­sis, descriptive and thematic analyses of reported outcomes were performed. Results: Twelve studies were included, most of them conducted in university settings with nursing students. The interventions involved standardized pa­tients, sensory experiences, structured scenarios, and hybrid models. Reported outcomes included improvements in communication self-efficacy, empathy, and observable skills. Nevertheless, limited use of theoretical frameworks, poor long-term evaluation, and insufficient adaptation to diverse communication profiles in people with dementia were identified as major gaps. Conclusion: Clinical simulation enhances empathy and core communication skills essential for the care of people with dementia. Its impact is strengthened when programs are grounded in clearly defined competencies, incorporate validated outcome measures across time points, and include structured debriefing. These elements are crucial to address the growing care demands associated with population aging.