Augmented reality in nursing education: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.teln.2026.08.027
- Dergi Adı: Teaching and Learning in Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Augmented reality, Educational technology, Meta-analysis, Nursing, Nursing education
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aims: To synthesize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) in improving learning outcomes in nursing education (NE) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Data sources: Seven databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, ERIC, and Cochrane Library) were searched in February 2025 for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Review methods: Eleven eligible experimental or quasi-experimental studies were analyzed. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g) and heterogeneity metrics were calculated using JASP 0.14. A fixed-effects model was applied due to homogeneity (Q = 7.549, p = .673; I² = 0.0%). Publication bias was inspected via funnel plot symmetry. Results: AR demonstrated a small, positive, but non-significant effect on nursing students’ learning outcomes (g = 0.189; 95% confidence interval: −0.09 to 0.46). Although several studies reported improvements in knowledge and performance, the overall evidence did not indicate a statistically significant advantage over traditional instruction. Conclusion: AR shows potential as a supportive instructional tool in NE; however, current evidence remains inconclusive regarding its effectiveness. Variability in design quality, instructional strategies, and technological implementation likely influences outcomes. Impact: This review provides an evidence-based foundation for integrating AR into nursing curricula and underscores the need for methodologically robust, large-scale research to determine its pedagogical value.