Table 1 Categories and subcategories

Patient

The role the patient plays in a VP

Teacher

The role of the teacher in VP development and use

Documentation

Tracking and documentation of learner activities and performance

Resources

Resources required to create and implement VPs

Challenges

Challenges a teacher might face when creating or using VPs

Virtual Patient

Technical and didactical features of VPs

Authenticity

Any aspects related to how realistic VPs are

Interactivity

Any interactive elements implemented in a VP

Feedback

Any kind of feedback that is implemented in a VP (e.g. from VP, tutor, or peers)

Variation

Variation and adaptability of VP design

Technology

Technical aspects of VPs (e.g. scalability or availability).

Instructional design

Design aspects of a VP (e.g. navigation model)

Curriculum

Relation of a VP to an overall curriculum

Purpose

Purpose of a VP in a curriculum (e.g. a teaching or assessment activity)

Integration

Integration of VPs into a curriculum

Standardization

VPs as a standardization of teaching in medical education

Adoption

Adoption of VPs in healthcare education

Learner

Learner-related aspects of VPs

Role-Play

Roles the learner plays within a VP scenario

Competency

Competencies that can be trained with VPs

Learner-centeredness

Aspects related to learner as the main focus of a VP activity

Safe Environment

VPs as a risk-free environment for learners and patients.