Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training on Critical Care Nurses' Competency in Infection Prevention: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Nursing education
• Infection prevention and control

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose significant challenges in intensive care units (ICUs), increasing patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
• Traditional nursing education often falls short in ensuring sustained competence in infection prevention strategies.
• Simulation-based training (SBT) is emerging as a potential solution, but its overall effectiveness needs further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of simulation-based training (SBT) in improving infection-prevention competencies among critical care nurses.
• To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SBT's impact on nursing skills and knowledge related to infection control.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of RCTs published between 2011 and 2025, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Searches conducted across eight major academic databases.
• Study quality assessed using CONSORT checklist and risk of bias evaluated using Cochrane RoB 2 tool.

Main Results:

• Ten RCTs were included, utilizing interventions like high-fidelity simulations and virtual reality modules.
• SBT demonstrated consistent improvements in nurses' knowledge, procedural skills, self-efficacy, and adherence to infection-prevention bundles.
• Evidence for sustained behavioral change and direct reduction in infection rates was mixed, with heterogeneity noted across studies.

Conclusions:

• SBT is effective in enhancing critical care nurses' knowledge and skills for infection prevention.
• Sustained behavioral improvements necessitate reinforcement and multimodal strategies beyond initial training.
• Integrating structured SBT into nursing education is recommended to strengthen competence, reduce HAIs, and improve patient outcomes.