Advancing nursing education through wearable electronic devices: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Technological advancements are transforming nursing education.
• Wearable technologies offer new avenues for student engagement and learning.
• Integrating innovative tools is crucial for future nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the integration of wearable electronic devices in undergraduate nursing education.
• To identify the types of wearable devices used and their applications.
• To assess the impact of wearables on nursing student learning and development.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted.
• Searches were performed across multiple major academic databases.
• Literature published between 2014 and 2023 on wearable devices in nursing education was included.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one studies were included in the review.
• Smart glasses and smartwatches are the most prevalent wearable devices.
• Wearables effectively support competency development in simulation settings, enhancing motivation, confidence, and satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Educators should consider wearable electronic devices as innovative teaching strategies.
• Wearable technologies can foster essential competencies for nursing professionalism.
• The integration of wearables is key to advancing nursing education in the digital age.