Gamifying simulated nursing education: a digital technology approach to enhancing pedagogy and student experience

Higher educational institutions have responded to a shortage of clinical placements for students by adopting innovative approaches, such as the use of simulated learning environments. The integration of gamification in simulated placements presents a promising opportunity to enrich and diversify the learning experience. A series of game-based resources to support simulated practice learning was developed by the academic team at the University of Bolton. This study involved evaluating the experiences of students who engaged in these interactive scenarios to assess the potential impact of these digital interventions on learning. The findings indicate that the approach had a significant impact on student learning, improving both their knowledge and their confidence in applying procedures in practice. These findings are of particular significance since it is commonly considered that students in fields such as nursing, which are known for their emphasis on human-centred care, place less value on digital learning technologies.