Digital serious games transform nursing education

A systematic review published earlier this month has demonstrated significant improvements in nursing education through digital serious games. The study evaluated eleven randomized controlled trials and found substantial enhancements in knowledge (Hedges’ g = 0.75), confidence (Hedges’ g = 0.73), and performance (Hedges’ g = 0.49) among nursing students. This research comes at a crucial time when digital technologies rapidly reshape healthcare education, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Optimal implementation strategies

The research revealed that intervention duration plays a crucial role in educational outcomes. Programs extending beyond two weeks showed auspicious results, with a significant improvement in knowledge retention (Hedges’ g = 0.53, p < .001). The study also found that digital serious games are especially effective when implemented in practical courses rather than theoretical ones, suggesting their particular value in procedural training. Mobile platforms have emerged as the preferred choice for procedural training, while web-based platforms prove more suitable for theoretical subjects due to their stable connectivity and larger displays.

Global adoption and implementation

The growing recognition of digital serious games’ effectiveness is evident in recent international developments. For instance, the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing has recently expanded its global reach by formalizing agreements with five universities in Taiwan, potentially facilitating broader implementation of digital learning technologies. This international collaboration signals a growing trend toward incorporating innovative digital teaching methods in nursing education worldwide.

Challenges

While the results are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into long-term effects and behavioral changes in clinical settings. The study identified several challenges, including high heterogeneity in data and relatively short intervention durations, which currently limit insights into long-term skill retention. Additionally, successful implementation requires careful consideration of equipment availability and alignment with pedagogical objectives. These findings suggest that while digital serious games offer significant potential for enhancing nursing education, their integration should be strategically planned and carefully evaluated.