JMIR Research Protocols (Apr 2022)

Simulation-Based Learning Supported by Technology to Enhance Critical Thinking in Nursing Students: Protocol for a Scoping Review

  • Hege Vistven Stenseth,
  • Simen Alexander Steindal,
  • Marianne Trygg Solberg,
  • Mia Alexandra Ølnes,
  • Andrea Mohallem,
  • Anne Lene Sørensen,
  • Camilla Strandell-Laine,
  • Camilla Olaussen,
  • Caroline Farsjø Aure,
  • Fernando Riegel,
  • Ingunn Pedersen,
  • Jaroslav Zlamal,
  • Jussara Gue Martini,
  • Paula Bresolin,
  • Silje Christin Wang Linnerud,
  • Andréa Aparecida Gonçalves Nes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/36725
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 4
p. e36725

Abstract

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BackgroundCritical thinking is a crucial skill in the nursing profession, so teaching strategies and methodology must be carefully considered when training and preparing nursing students to think critically. Studies on simulation-based learning supported by technology are increasing in nursing education, but no scoping reviews have mapped the literature on simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. ObjectiveThe proposed scoping review aims to systematically map research on the use of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. MethodsThe proposed scoping review will use the framework established by Arksey and O’Malley and will be reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed in the LILACS, ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Pairs of authors independently selected the articles by screening titles, abstracts, full-text papers, and extract data. The data will be analyzed and thematically categorized. ResultsThe development of a comprehensive and systematic search strategy was completed in June 2021. The database searches were performed in July 2021, and the screening of titles and abstracts was completed in September 2021. Charting the data began in February 2022. Analysis and synthesis will be performed sequentially, and the scoping review is expected to be complete by May 2023. ConclusionsThe results of this proposed scoping review may identify gaps in the literature and provide an overview of research on the topic of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. The research may identify nursing students’ reported barriers and enablers for learning critical thinking skills through simulation-based learning supported by technology, and the results may help educators enhance their educational approach through knowledge of students’ firsthand experiences and further development of successful teaching strategies in nursing education. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/36725