Outcomes of scenario-based simulation courses in nursing education: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of scenario-based simulation courses on nursing students' professional knowledge, clinical practice skills, and self-confidence in learning.

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A literature search of six databases including CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science was performed on 28 February 2023.

The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using RoB 2. A random-effects model was used for pooling effect size. The heterogeneity of each pooled analysis was quantified with I². Egger's regression test was performed to assess publication bias in each pooled analysis.

Sixteen trials conducted between 2011 and 2022 were included in the final analysis. Scenario-based simulation courses significantly improved nursing students' professional knowledge (pooled SMD 0.66; 95 % CI 0.33-0.98; p < 0.001), clinical practice skills (pooled SMD 1.45; 95 % CI 0.96-1.94; p < 0.001), and self-confidence in learning (pooled SMD 0.37; 95 % CI 0.12-0.63; p < 0.001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the pooled analyses of professional knowledge and clinical practice skills.

Scenario-based simulation courses appeared to be beneficial for increasing nursing students' professional knowledge, clinical practice abilities, and self-confidence in learning. Therefore, simulation-based learning should be regarded as an essential component of the nursing curriculum as it improves nursing students' skills and prepares them for real-world practice.