Effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in undergraduate nursing education: A meta-analysis of learning outcomes

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-26 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.05.001

Mohamad AlMekkawi, Rouwida ElKhalil, Sylivia Nalubega, Suthan Pandarakutty, Imad Maalouf, Aisha Aldawsari, Ibrahim Bashayreh, Mohammed Al Maqbali

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are increasingly used in undergraduate nursing education to enhance clinical learning, but evidence across learning domains remains varied.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of VR/AR interventions on cognitive, psychomotor, and affective outcomes in undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies (2015–2025) were identified across 5 databases. Sixty-two studies (n = 5,657) met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the OHAT tool. Random-effects models estimated standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

VR/AR interventions improved knowledge (SMD = 0.48), self-confidence (SMD = 0.44), satisfaction (SMD = 0.52), and engagement (SMD = 0.42), with a large effect on clinical skill performance (SMD = 1.17). No significant effect was found for critical thinking. Substantial heterogeneity was observed.

Conclusion

VR/AR interventions appear particularly effective for clinical skill development. Improvements in perceived outcomes should be interpreted alongside objective measures.

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虚拟和增强现实在本科护理教育中的有效性：学习结果的荟萃分析

虚拟现实（VR）和增强现实（AR）越来越多地用于本科护理教育，以增强临床学习，但不同学习领域的证据仍然存在差异。目的评价VR/AR干预对护理本科学生认知、精神运动和情感结局的影响。方法按照PRISMA指南进行系统评价和meta分析。在5个数据库中确定了随机对照试验和准实验研究（2015-2025）。62项研究（n = 5657）符合纳入标准。使用OHAT工具评估偏倚风险。随机效应模型以95%的置信区间估计标准化平均差异（SMDs）。结果vr /AR干预提高了知识（SMD = 0.48）、自信心（SMD = 0.44）、满意度（SMD = 0.52）和敬业度（SMD = 0.42），对临床技能表现（SMD = 1.17）有较大影响。对批判性思维没有显著的影响。观察到实质性的异质性。结论vr /AR干预对临床技能培养特别有效。感知结果的改善应与客观措施一起加以解释。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty