Simulation-Based Training for Nursing Students to Improve Patient Safety: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Patient safety is crucial for healthcare quality.
• Simulation-based training offers a controlled environment for nursing students to develop safety competencies and error recognition skills prior to clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and characterize simulation-based education features and modalities used for patient safety outcomes in undergraduate nursing students.
• To identify effective strategies for improving safety-related competencies through simulation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines (2019-2024) across multiple databases.
• Inclusion of original studies on undergraduate nursing students using simulation for patient safety outcomes.
• Narrative synthesis of results, with methodological quality assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

Main Results:

• 20 studies from 12 countries were included, with high to moderate methodological quality.
• High-fidelity simulation and virtual reality were primary strategies.
• Simulation effectively enhanced technical skills (e.g., medication accuracy) and nontechnical skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, error reporting).
• Repetitive practice and interprofessional simulation significantly improved error detection and clinical judgment.

Conclusions:

• Simulation is essential for preparing nursing students in safe patient care.
• Integrating structured simulation into curricula is vital to bridge the theory-practice gap.
• Future research should focus on longitudinal designs and standardized metrics for patient safety outcomes.