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The effectiveness of simulation-based learning (SBL) on students' knowledge and skills in nursing programs: a
Ali Alharbi1,2, Arina Nurfianti3,4, Rosemary F Mullen3
1School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland. a.alharbi.2@research.gla.ac.uk.
Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) effectively improves nursing students' knowledge and skills. However, long-term retention data is limited, necessitating further research on the durability of these acquired competencies.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Medical Simulation
- Competency-Based Education
Background:
- Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) is a key pedagogical tool in nursing education.
- Existing reviews confirm SBL's effectiveness in skill acquisition.
- A significant gap exists regarding the long-term retention of competencies gained through SBL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of SBL on nursing students' knowledge and skill acquisition.
- To evaluate the long-term retention of competencies acquired through SBL in nursing education.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Eric) from 2017-2023.
- 33 studies (15 RCTs, 18 quasi-experimental) were included after quality appraisal using Joanna Briggs tools.
- Data was extracted and synthesized using a descriptive narrative approach.
Main Results:
- The review included 3,670 participants, focusing on life-saving skills (e.g., CPR), critical care, and clinical decision-making.
- Consistent and significant improvements in knowledge and skills were observed across studies.
- Limitations include study design heterogeneity, risk of bias, and a lack of long-term follow-up data.
Conclusions:
- SBL is a powerful teaching strategy in nursing education, requiring continuous evaluation.
- While SBL enhances immediate knowledge and skill acquisition, evidence on retention beyond five months is scarce.
- Further research is crucial to understand the long-term durability and optimize SBL interventions in nursing education.
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