Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Education on Pediatric Care Learning Outcomes Among Health Professions Learners: A Systematic Review

Volume 15, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 184-194

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Educational and Psychosocial Services, Khor. C., Islamic Azad University, Khorram Abad, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Bo. C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran

Abstract
Introduction: Pediatric care education requires the integration of theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and effective decision-making. Limited opportunities for clinical practice and the growing emphasis on patient safety have led to the widespread adoption of simulation-based education as an innovative instructional strategy in health professions education. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of simulation-based education on pediatric care learning outcomes among health professions learners.
Materials & Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL using relevant keywords. Interventional studies published in English between 2015 and 2025 that investigated the effects of simulation-based education on pediatric care learning outcomes were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers.
Results: The findings demonstrated that simulation-based education was associated with significant improvements in learners’ knowledge, clinical skills, professional competence, self-confidence, clinical performance, and learning satisfaction compared with conventional educational approaches. High-fidelity simulation yielded the greatest positive effects on learning outcomes across most studies.
Conclusion: Simulation-based education is an effective educational strategy for enhancing pediatric care training among health professions learners. By improving professional competencies and clinical preparedness, it has the potential to enhance both the quality and safety of pediatric patient care. The findings of this review provide valuable evidence to support the integration of simulation-based learning into health professions curricula.

Keywords

Subjects
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