J Prof Nurs . 2026 Jan-Feb Impact of simulation-based education on pediatric and medical-surgical nursing education: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis evaluates how different levels of realism in clinical practice scenarios affect the growth of nursing students in specialized fields. The research highlights that while all forms of practice are beneficial, high-fidelity simulation yields the most significant improvements in psychomotor skills, cognitive performance, and self-efficacy. Students focusing on pediatric and medical-surgical nursing saw the greatest gains, suggesting that immersive, lifelike training is particularly effective for complex care environments. Ultimately, the study advocates for integrating advanced simulations into nursing curricula to better prepare students for the critical clinical judgment required in professional healthcare.