A systematic review of the role of group learning contracts in healthcare education

of group learning contracts on group dynamics, communication, workload distribution and student learning in healthcare education. The study explores whether group learning contracts improve collaboration and reduce the challenges associated with group work in higher education settings.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across several databases (Medline, ProQuest Education, SCOPUS, Taylor & Francis Online, and EBSCOhost). The search covered studies from inception to 2023, focusing on higher education healthcare students using group learning contracts. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Four empirical studies from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.Results: The findings from the four studies consistently demonstrated that group learning contracts improved communication, workload distribution and group cohesion among healthcare students. Group learning contracts also reduced students’ anxiety about group work and had a particularly strong positive impact in online learning environments. However, limitations such as small sample sizes and the lack of control groups were noted.Discussion/Conclusion: Group learning contracts appear to be an effective tool for addressing the common challenges of group work in healthcare education. They enhance group dynamics and communication, leading to improved learning outcomes. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings, especially in different cultural and educational contexts