Experiences of Widening Participation students in undergraduate medical education in the United Kingdom: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this review is to characterize the experiences of Widening Participation students in undergraduate medical education in the United Kingdom (UK).

Introduction: Most Widening Participation research in the UK is focused on medical school recruitment. Although this is important, there is a paucity of research examining whether the experience of medical school itself is an equal experience for both traditional and Widening Participation students. The aim of this review is to explore and to characterize the experiences of Widening Participation students within medical education during their studies in the UK.

Inclusion Criteria: This review will include qualitative research conducted in the UK examining any aspect of the lived experience of undergraduate medical education according to Widening Participation students, including identity formation, learning experience in pre-clinical environments and clinical placements, and the relation to social, cultural, and financial capital.

Methods: The study will consider articles found through searching the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and ERIC, as well as gray literature. Studies published from 2000 onwards in the English language will be included. Studies will be assessed against the inclusion criteria at all stages by two independent reviewers. Eligible studies will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Regardless of methodological quality, all studies retrieved will be included in the review. The final synthesized findings will be graded according to the ConQual approach.

Systematic Review Registration Number: Submitted and awaiting registration on PROSPERO (ID 167879).