The effectiveness of simulation-based learning in nursing education - A review

Abstract

Background: Simulation based learning refers to an active learning strategy that mimics the characteristics of a real-life environment. It helps healthcare professionals to practice clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in a safe environment without compromising the patient’s safety. It provides a unique opportunity for the students to enrich their critical thinking, decision-making ability, confidence, and communication skills. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of simulation-based learning in nursing education. Methodology: An integrative review was conducted to identify the importance of Simulation-Based Learning in Nursing Education. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for eligible publications. The search was restricted between 2018 and 2023. The terms ‘simulation’, ‘nursing education’, and ‘nursing students’ were used to search the relevant databases. Results: Most of the prevailing findings revealed that simulation is an effective teaching-learning strategy for fostering clinical skills of nursing students. It increases the students' self-confidence as they can practice the clinical skills without apprehension. The lack of resources, poorly trained educators, and dissatisfaction among the students and teachers are some limitations in incorporating Simulation-Based Learning in curricula. Conclusion: The successful integration of simulation-based learning in the nursing curriculum has a positive impact on nursing students’ performance. Staff readiness and student satisfaction are indispensable/crucial in implementing simulation in higher education.