Augmented Reality in Health Education: Transforming Nursing, Healthcare, and Medical Education and Training.

Abstract

Background: In health sciences education and particularly, in healthcare education, nursing education, and medical education, augmented reality is being increasingly used due to the changes and benefits to teaching and learning approaches it can yield. However, as the field advances, it is important to systematically map the current literature and provide an overview of the field. Aim: By analyzing the current literature, this study focuses on examining the use of augmented reality in healthcare, nursing, and medical education and training. Method: The study adopts a systematic mapping review approach and analyzes 156 studies that were published during 2010-2025. Results: The results revealed that augmented reality is an effective educational tool that can support teaching and learning of diverse subjects in the context of health education, as it enables learners to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical applications within interactive and immersive learning environments and simulations without risking patient safety. Increased learning outcomes, including hands-on acquisition of practical skills and clinical competencies, engagement, performance, knowledge gain and retention, as well as their critical thinking and decision-making were observed. The potential of augmented reality to offer realistic and interactive visual representations, to support procedural training, to provide cost-effective solutions, to enhance collaborative learning, and to increase accessibility to education, even in resource-limited settings, was highlighted. Education stakeholders expressed positive attitudes and perspectives toward the adoption and integration of augmented reality into health sciences education. Discussion: The results emphasize the role of augmented reality in supporting and improving health education. Additionally, the study revealed six main topics, identified current research gaps, and provided future research directions. Conclusions: When appropriately applied, augmented reality has the potential to effectively support and enrich nursing, healthcare, and medical education and training.