The Role of Education in Nanomedicine as a Current Need for Academic Programs Related to the Healthcare Field: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical research has recently focused on developing diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives through nanomedicine, and it has become essential for both current and coming healthcare professionals, especially medical residents, to know about it to face actual challenges in the setup of their professional practice.
Approach: This scoping review was conducted to show the relevance of nanomedicine in the formation of medical residents and to determine the educational strategies proposed worldwide for their teaching.
Results: 12 records met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including information related to the importance of teaching nanotechnology, possible educational approaches, or the best action strategies for incorporating said teaching.
Discussion: Multiple studies showed the need for students in health-related programs to be trained and instructed in topics related to nanotechnology. Still, the students’ perceptions highlight how inadequate or non-existent such education in this field is. Although a few studies have proposed strategies and approaches for incorporating nanotechnology in academic programs in different areas, it is still necessary to establish educational standards so that the training of future professionals will be uniform and of high quality. The concerned educational institutions’ directives must try to ensure that their in-training staff receives an updated, full, and excellency education.

Keywords: nanotechnology, nanomedicine, teaching medicine, medical education