The effects of simulation-based education on the communication and clinical judgment of nursing students and nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based education on communication and clinical judgment in nursing students and nurses. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched to obtain articles published in Korean or English. Of 12,864 articles reviewed, 36 were included in a systematic review and 23 in a meta-analysis. To estimate the size of the effects of simulation-based education, a meta-analysis was performed using the R package meta program. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I. Results: The effect sizes (ES) of simulation-based education on communication and clinical judgment were ES=0.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=0.43 to 1.12 on communication-related variables and ES=1.84, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.65 on clinical judgment. Conclusion: Simulation-based education for nursing students and nurses is useful for improving their communication and clinical judgment. Thus, it is necessary to develop and apply simulation-based education programs for nursing students and nurses to improve their abilities in communications and clinical judgment.