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BackgroundVirtual simulation (VS) is a developing education approach with the recreation of reality using digital technology. The teaching effectiveness of VSs compared to mannequins and real persons (RPs) has never been investigated in medical and nursing education. ObjectiveThis study aims to compare VSs and mannequins or RPs in improving the following clinical competencies: knowledge, procedural skills, clinical reasoning, and communication skills. MethodsFollowing Cochrane methodology, a meta-analysis was conducted on the effectiveness of VSs in pre- and postregistration medical or nursing participants. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Educational Resource Information Centre databases were searched to identify English-written randomized controlled trials up to August 2024. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. All pooled estimates were based on random-effects models and assessed by trial sequential analyses. Leave-one-out, subgroup, and univariate meta-regression analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. ResultsA total of 27 studies with 1480 participants were included. Overall, there were no significant differences between VSs and mannequins or RPs in improving knowledge (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.08; 95% CI –0.30 to 0.47; I2=67%; P=.002), procedural skills (SMD=–0.12; 95% CI –0.47 to 0.23; I2=75%; P |