We conducted an integrative review, as described by Whittemore (2005). Integrative
reviews are the broadest type of research review method and allow for the inclusion of
various research designs to more fully understand a phenomenon of interest. In contrast,
systematic reviews combine the evidence of primary studies, with similar research designs,
to study related or identical hypotheses (Whittemore, 2005). They are more useful at
providing insights about effectiveness, rather than seeking answers to more complex search
questions (Grant & Booth, 2009). Scoping reviews identify the nature and extent of research
evidence to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available
research (Grant & Booth, 2009). However, due to lack of a process for quality assessment,
the findings from scoping reviews are weak resources for recommending policy/practice.
Performing an integrative review helped us to understand how AR has been applied in
healthcare education, and our findings will be used to help guide better practice. Our
review included multi-disciplinary research publications, reported until 2012, which were
related to the construct of AR in healthcare education.