Peer Support Among Nursing Students During Hospital-Based Clinical Placements: A Scoping Review

Clinical practice plays a crucial role in nursing education. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of peer support during clinical placements. However, to date, no study has provided a comprehensive overview of the specific role of peer support within the context of clinical learning.

We aimed to map literature describing the role of peer support among nursing students during hospital-based clinical placements.

A scoping review was conducted. Five databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, and ScienceDirect) were searched, yielding 550 articles. Two authors assessed eligibility using predefined criteria, extracted data from the selected studies, and performed a thematic analysis. The review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Thirty-six articles were included. Peer support during hospital-based clinical placements emerged through 6 key roles: (1) reduces anxiety, (2) contributes to the feeling of not being alone, (3) facilitates adaptation to challenges, (4) contributes to the development of a sense of belonging, (5) promotes knowledge sharing, and (6) enriches the learning experience.

The findings underscore the significant role of peer interactions in clinical learning, positioning peer support as a key component of nursing education. They highlight opportunities for educators to design and support collaborative learning environments, while also emphasizing the need for further research to inform the implementation and evaluation of structured peer support strategies in nursing education.