Exploring the impact of simulation on nursing students’ knowledge and skills during basic and advanced cardiac life support training in Saudi Arabia

Basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training is crucial for healthcare providers to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Simulation-based training has been shown to improve knowledge and skills in nursing students during BLS and ACLS training.

The objective of this study was to review the literature on the impact of simulation-based training on nurses’ and nursing students’ knowledge and skills during BLS and ACLS training in Arab countries and internationally.

A literature search was conducted in several databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. The search was limited to articles published, written in English, and conducted in Saudi Arabia. Two articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

The reviewed studies reported significant improvements in knowledge scores, ability to respond to cardiac arrest scenarios, and confidence in skills among nursing students who participated in simulation-based training. However, challenges in implementing simulation-based training were reported, including lack of resources, time constraints, and resistance to change.

The findings of the reviewed literature suggest that simulation-based training can be an effective tool for improving nurses and nursing students knowledge and skills during BLS and ACLS training in both Arab countries and internationally. The use of simulation-based training in nursing education has several advantages, including providing a safe and controlled environment for practicing skills, promoting critical thinking and decision-making, and allowing for repetitive practice. However, challenges in implementing simulation-based training need to be addressed, and strategies for effectively integrating simulation-based training into nursing education programs need to be explored.