Gaming in Nursing Education: Recent Trends and Future Paths

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Nursing Education Research
• Game-Based Learning

Background:

• Game-based learning (GBL) is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance student motivation and engagement in educational settings.
• The application of GBL in nursing education warrants investigation to understand its impact on learning outcomes.
• Identifying knowledge gaps in the current literature is crucial for advancing the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on learning outcomes associated with game-based learning in nursing education.
• To identify potential gaps in current knowledge regarding the use of games in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in CINAHL and Google Scholar databases.
• The search covered the period from 2009 to 2019, using keywords such as 'games,' 'gaming,' and 'nursing education.'
• Fifteen empirical studies were evaluated after an initial screening of 49 identified papers.

Main Results:

• The majority of evaluated studies reported positive learning outcomes, including increased knowledge and higher test scores.
• Students provided positive feedback regarding their experiences with game-based learning.
• Methodological limitations were prevalent, such as small sample sizes, convenience sampling, and absence of control groups or randomization.

Conclusions:

• Game-based learning holds promise for enhancing clinical decision-making skills in aspiring nurses.
• There is a need for more robust research methodologies to validate the effectiveness and best practices of GBL in nursing education.