Abstract
Objective
The use of deliberate practice (DP) as an adjunct method of training practitioners in the acquisition of therapy skills is gaining increasing attention. However, to date, no evidence synthesis has been reported on.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage method, which was compliant with the preferred method for reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews. Three databases (Scopus, Embase and PubMed) were searched for articles reporting on primary data, in English. The initial search yielded 1,087 articles, of which 14 are included in this review.
Results
Findings suggest that DP is still in its infancy and is being used to train practitioners in a host of therapeutic skills and practices in various training and educational contexts, including using technology as a platform. DP compares more favourably than usual didactic workshops for skill acquisition across variables such as techniques, communication skills and interpersonal and evidence-based relationship factors.
Conclusion
Further research needs to replicate and extend these initial findings, and recommendations for practice and research are considered. This is the first scoping review of this rapidly developing area of practice.