Diabetes Education Program for Nursing Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to summarise the current state of the science on diabetes mellitus education programs for nursing students.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, published in English between 2013 and 2022, that examined diabetes education programs for nursing students were considered in the review. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist. Key information such as authors, study focus, population, sample size, details of intervention and control group treatments, outcome variables, and main findings were extracted and summarised in a data extraction form for further analyses and syntheses.

Results: The literature search identified 464 articles, from which 13 studies were evaluated in the systematic review. Most studies (n = 12, 92.3%) used technology-based teaching methods, such as high-fidelity simulations, mobile applications, and virtual reality simulations. Regarding the evaluation of diabetes education program effectiveness, the majority of studies showed significant improvements in knowledge (n = 8, 61.5%), followed by satisfaction with learning (n = 4, 30.8%), nursing skill performance (n = 3, 23.1%), and self-confidence (n = 3, 23.1%) in nursing students. In meta-analyses, technology-based teaching interventions, compared to traditional education, showed no statistically significant improvement in diabetes knowledge (standard mean difference 9.52, 95% CI [-0.18, 19.21], p = 0.05) and self-efficacy (standard mean difference 24.09, 95% CI [-10.75, 58.92], p = 0.18). Despite this, technology-based methods demonstrated favourable effects on knowledge and self-efficacy against traditional education. Findings highlight the importance of emerging technology-based diabetes education programs tailored for nursing students, crucial for enhancing positive educational outcomes. No Patient or Public Contribution.