Game-based learning in nursing: a systematic review

AIM: This study aims to systematically review studies related to game-based learning in nursing. BACKGROUND: A review of national and international literature revealed that only a limited number of studies have comprehensively addressed game-based learning in nursing education. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted in (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, EBSCOhost, Ulakbim-TR, Google Scholar using the keywords “Game-based nursing education”, “Game-based learning”, “Game-based learning, nursing”, as well as relevant MeSH terms. Two reviewers independently screened the titles/abstracts and full texts. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The articles published between 2019 and 2024 in English, with keywords included in the title, with full text available, and on game-based learning in nursing education were included in the study. A total of 1,466 articles were identified, and 22 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. FINDINGS: The studies were mostly conducted in the United States and Spain, but also included different countries such as Taiwan, Türkiye, China, Iran, and South Korea. The research designs were generally quasi-experimental, pre-post-test, and cross-sectional, and the participants were mostly undergraduate nursing students. The findings indicated that the use of digital, simulation, and mobile games enhanced students’ learning performance, motivation, and critical thinking skills. DISCUSSION: Most studies show that game-based learning reinforces both theoretical knowledge and practical skills of students. CONCLUSION: Compiling existing research on game-based learning in nursing education can be used to determine the need for game-based studies that will shed light on the limitations of previous studies conducted in this field. It is recommended to integrate game-based learning methods into nursing curricula. Educators should be encouraged to include different types of games in their curriculum, and it is important for nursing schools to provide the necessary technological infrastructure and provide training to teachers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. Prospero ID: 595957.