Clinical simulation in teaching nursing students: Scoping review protocol

Introduction: Clinical simulation is an innovative teaching technique in nursing education, allowing for the practical application of theory in a safe environment. It promotes the development of both technical and non-technical skills, such as critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork. It positions the student as the central agent of learning, enhancing confidence and autonomy. Despite its growing use, the scientific evidence remains scattered. This scoping review aims to map that evidence, identifying benefits, effective approaches, and challenges. Objectives: Map the existing scientific evidence on clinical simulation in the education of nursing students. Methodology: This scoping review protocol will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. The research began in March 2025, using the descriptors “Students, Nursing,” “Simulation Training,” and “Education, Nursing” in the following databases: MEDLINE® Complete (via PubMed); CINAHL® Complete, MedicLatina®, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials® (via EBSCOhost®). Studies related to clinical simulation in nursing student education, written in any language and available in free full text will be considered. Study selection will be carried out by two independent reviewers and a third reviewer will be consulted in cases of disagreement. Studies will be archived and duplicates will be eliminated using the Qatar Computing Research Institute (Rayyan QCRI®) software. To assist data extraction, the authors will develop evidence tables. Conclusion: It is expected that this review will promote an in-depth critical analysis of clinical simulation in teaching nursing students.