Mobile learning in nursing education: A bibliometric analysis and visualization

Online learning in nursing education: A 21st century bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Online learning has become an integral part of nursing education, especially in response to the growing reliance on technology and the global transition to remote learning.

AIM

This study explored research outputs and impact, collaborative networks, and thematic trends in online learning within nursing education to guide future educational advancements.

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database to examine publications spanning from 2000 to August 2024. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were utilized to assess publication trends, co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence, providing a comprehensive view of the research landscape. Descriptive statistics and visualizations were employed to enhance clarity and facilitate interpretation of key findings.

RESULTS

The dataset encompassed 703 institutions across 56 countries, demonstrating the global scope of online learning research in nursing education. Publication output grew steadily, reaching a peak of 111 articles in 2022 (17 % of the total). The United States led with 555 publications and 2669 citations, followed by Australia (n = 92), Canada (n = 62), and Iran (n = 45). Co-authorship analysis revealed dense regional networks, with the University System of Ohio and the University of North Carolina as central hubs, though international collaborations were sparse. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three primary thematic clusters: (1) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) student engagement, readiness, and motivation, and (3) technological integration and pedagogical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of online learning research in nursing education, highlighting its growth, thematic focus areas, and collaborative networks. The findings serve as a foundation for advancing evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative educational practices. Online learning is no longer a peripheral aspect of nursing education but a cornerstone for driving excellence, equity, and innovation. By addressing existing gaps and embracing emerging opportunities, stakeholders can reimagine nursing education to better prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare.

Mental Health of Nursing Students: A Bibliometric Review Based on CiteSpace Visual Analysis

Background: The mental health of nursing students directly affects their future performance, quality of patient care, and personal development. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of research in this area can assist in implementing effective measures to improve the mental health of nursing students. Aim: This study used bibliometric analyses to identify and analyze articles, authors, journals, and research institutes investigating nursing students' mental health in terms of thematic structure and topic evolution, aiming to provide direction and guidance for future research. Methods: In this retrospective bibliometric analysis, data were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection on August 15, 2024. Subsequently, CiteSpace software was employed to analyze the annual number of publications and citations, explore relationships between authors, institutions, countries, and keywords, and summarize research hotspots and frontiers in the field of nursing students' mental health. Results: Articles published from database inception to August 15, 2024, were screened, leading to the retrieval of 3803 relevant articles. The United States of America was the leading country in terms of research output on the mental health of nursing students, with 982 (25.79%) published articles, while the United States Department of Health and Human Services provided the most funding. Furthermore, Happell, B was the most productive author in this field, with 80 published papers. Lastly, Nurse Education Today was the most prolific journal in nursing education. Conclusion: The main recent research trends include the psychological profile of nursing students, intervention strategies for improving the mental health of nursing students, and the influence of educational methods, clinical experience, and humanistic care on the mental health of nursing students. These trends imply that researchers should develop targeted training programs, apply information technology, and implement personalized teaching to enhance the psychological resilience of the nursing student population. Moreover, higher education institutions should provide nursing students with more comprehensive and effective mental health support by maintaining mental health files, strengthening mental health education, providing psychological counseling services, and establishing social support systems.

Effectiveness and uptake of WhatsApp-based HIV microlearning for healthcare workers in remote South African clinics: A pragmatic, mixed-methods, cluster-randomised trial

AIM/OBJECTIVE

To design and test the usability of case-based HIV microlearning lessons using WhatsApp groups. This paper reports on effectiveness and uptake.

BACKGROUND

South Africa has the largest antiretroviral treatment program globally. National guidelines are regularly updated. Ongoing training of healthcare workers is vital but complicated by infrastructural, financial and human resource shortages. Innovative solutions are needed.

DESIGN

A pragmatic, mixed methods, parallel group, cluster randomised trial.

METHODS

Nurses and community health workers (CHWs) at 50 clinics in the Eastern Cape were invited to participate. Online questionnaires tested knowledge and retention of knowledge; retrospective folder reviews measured changes in patient care. Patient folders were sampled purposively pre-/post-intervention for clinical points learned. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Uptake and participation were good: 232 (79 %) nurses and 207 (76 %) CHWs participated. 96 % of nurses and 88 % of CHWs read the lessons within two weeks. There was a significant intervention effect on knowledge, based on the online questionnaires: nurses (0.5 units; 95 % CI 0.11-1.0; p = 0.0499) and CHWs (0.7 units; 95 % CI 0.2-1.3; p = 0.004). 1083 patient folders were reviewed to compare changes in patient care between the study arms. Adjusting for pre-care differences between the arms, the intervention increased correct patient care by 21 % ( 95 % CI 10 %-32 %; p < 0.001) in the year after the training.

CONCLUSIONS

WhatsApp-based microlearning improves knowledge and patient care. This, with the companion paper's data showing that it is well received and accepted, makes it a valuable option for simple, accessible, scalable continuing medical education for HCWs.

Educational games in nursing education: A bibliometric and content analysis

AIM

To conduct a bibliometric and content analysis of publications on educational games in the field of nursing education.

BACKGROUND

Educational games are an innovative active teaching method. Its use in nursing education has advantages; it has the potential to support students' active participation in the educational process.

DESIGN

Bibliometric and content analysis.

METHODS

The data for this study were screened from the Web of Science database. Bibliometric analysis and data visualization were performed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software, employing techniques such as scientific mapping and performance analysis. For content analysis, a synthetic knowledge synthesis approach based on bibliometric mapping was adopted.

RESULTS

A total of 223 publications involving 819 authors were analyzed. These publications appeared in 87 different journals, with an average of 1.67 citations per publication. The journals "Nurse Education Today" and "Clinical Simulation in Nursing" featured the highest number of articles. The USA and Spain were leading countries in terms of total link strength, connections and the number of articles and citations. The most frequently cited author was Gómez-Urquiza (n = 308). Commonly used keywords included "nursing education," "gamification," "serious games," and "nursing students." The content analysis revealed five primary themes: 1) technology in nursing education, 2) effects of educational games, 3) applications of educational games in nursing education, 4) types of educational games used in nursing education and 5) gamification in the learning-teaching process.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on educational games in nursing education is on the rise. The findings of this study provide new insights for researchers interested in the application of educational games in nursing education.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends in Clinical Learning Environment for Nursing and Midwifery Education

Introduction

The clinical learning environment is central to nursing and midwifery education, providing critical contexts for student training and professional development. This study fills a gap by offering a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of trends in The clinical learning environment research within nursing and midwifery education.

Methods

A descriptive bibliometric study was conducted on June 7, 2024, using the Scopus database to retrieve research articles related to The clinical learning environment from 1957 until June 2024. VOSviewer software was used to analyze scientific collaborations and map co-occurrence networks of key terms.

Results

The United States and Australia led in publications and citations. Key journals included Nurse Education Today, Nurse Education in Practice, Journal of Advanced Nursing, and Journal of Clinical Nursing. Prominent authors like Saarikoski M. Levett-Jones T. and Henderson A. significantly contributed. Co-occurrence analysis highlighted themes such as student experiences, clinical competence, psychological factors, and teaching methodologies.

Discussion

This study highlights key trends in The clinical learning environment research and the significant contributions of specific countries, journals, and authors. The collaboration networks provide insights into the interrelated nature of various factors influencing the clinical learning environment. Limitations of the study include the reliance on a single database, which may not capture all relevant articles, particularly those in less prominent journals or non-English languages. Additionally, citation metrics may be influenced by factors such as self-citations or field-specific citation practices.

Conclusion

These insights highlight areas for future research, including the role of virtual learning environments and cultural competency in The clinical learning environment. The findings contribute to shaping future research and practice in nursing and midwifery education.

Bibliometric Analysis (2000-2024) of Research on Artificial Intelligence in Nursing

We conducted a bibliometrics analysis utilizing the Web of Science database, selecting 1925 articles concerning artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing. The analysis utilized the network visualization tool VOSviewer to explore global collaborations, highlighting prominent roles played by the United States, China, and Japan, as well as institutional partnerships involving Columbia University and Harvard Medical School. Keyword analysis identified prevalent themes and co-citation analysis highlighted influential journals. A notable increase in AI-related publications in nursing was observed over time, reflecting the growing interest in AI in nursing. However, high-quality clinical research and increased scientific collaboration are needed.

Mobile devices for developing nursing students' professional skills: scoping review

OBJECTIVE

to map the scientific literature on the use of mobile devices to develop the professional skills of nursing students.

METHOD

this was a scoping review guided by JBI recommendations. Six databases and gray literature were included. The selection of studies was carried out through individual and peer assessment. Data were extracted based on an elaborate script and presented in a descriptive, tabular and graphical format.

RESULTS

264 studies were identified, of which 13 comprised the corpus of analysis. The studies were carried out mainly on the Asian continent. Interventions ranged from one to 12 weeks, with a predominance of the use of Apps. The skills addressed were mainly clinical skills, techniques and procedures inherent to nursing practice, followed by decision-making and problem-solving.

CONCLUSION

the studies analyzed not only revealed the potential of mobile devices in the training context, but also highlighted their contribution to improving clinical capabilities, as they offer support for a more dynamic and effective approach to the learning process. The gap in knowledge appears in the still unexplored possibility of integrating different professional skills through a single digital educational tool.

Effects of a Serious Smartphone Game on Nursing Students' Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skills in Adult Basic Life Support: Randomized Wait List-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Retention of adult basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills after professional training declines over time. To combat this, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association recommend shorter, more frequent BLS sessions. Emphasizing technology-enhanced learning, such as mobile learning, aims to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival and is becoming more integral in nursing education.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether playing a serious smartphone game called MOBICPR at home can improve and retain nursing students' theoretical knowledge of and practical skills in adult BLS.

METHODS

This study used a randomized wait list-controlled design. Nursing students were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a MOBICPR intervention group (MOBICPR-IG) or a wait-list control group (WL-CG), where the latter received the MOBICPR game 2 weeks after the MOBICPR-IG. The aim of the MOBICPR game is to engage participants in using smartphone gestures (eg, tapping) and actions (eg, talking) to perform evidence-based adult BLS on a virtual patient with OHCA. The participants' theoretical knowledge of adult BLS was assessed using a questionnaire, while their practical skills were evaluated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters using a manikin and a checklist.

RESULTS

In total, 43 nursing students participated in the study, 22 (51%) in MOBICPR-IG and 21 (49%) in WL-CG. There were differences between the MOBICPR-IG and the WL-CG in theoretical knowledge (P=.04) but not in practical skills (P=.45) after MOBICPR game playing at home. No difference was noted in the retention of participants' theoretical knowledge and practical skills of adult BLS after a 2-week break from playing the MOBICPR game (P=.13). Key observations included challenges in response checks with a face-down manikin and a general neglect of safety protocols when using an automated external defibrillator.

CONCLUSIONS

Playing the MOBICPR game at home has the greatest impact on improving the theoretical knowledge of adult BLS in nursing students but not their practical skills. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse scenarios into adult BLS training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05784675); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05784675.

Over twenty years of pedagogical research from Nurse Education in Practice: A bibliometric analysis from 2001 to 2023

AIM

To present a bibliometric overview of pedagogical research from Nurse Education in Practice from its inception in 2001 up until 2023.

BACKGROUND

Bibliometric methods are useful in analysing and understanding the characteristics of scientific publications in a particular field and the influence of specific journals. However, no bibliometric analysis of a nurse education journal has been undertaken to date which would highlight important research trends in this area of nursing and midwifery.

METHODS

A total of 2231 publications (articles and reviews only) from Nursing Education in Practice were retrieved from the Scopus database between 2001 and 2023. Several software applications including Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer were used to undertake bibliometric analysis on this dataset. Publication trends such as country analysis, author analysis, keywords analyses (cluster, content and trend analysis) were generated to help understand the volume and scope of pedagogical nursing and midwifery research in this journal.

RESULTS

There has been a steady increase in pedagogical research from Nurse Education in Practice since its launch in 2001 up until 2018, with a dip in publications in 2022 most likely due to the impact of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The most prolific institutions publishing in the journal are mainly from the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, with over eighty countries represented demonstrating its global reach and impact. Nursing students, nursing education, simulation and learning are some of the most frequent author keywords.

CONCLUSION

The diversity of pedagogies in nursing and midwifery education, clinical learning and supervision in practice environments, and competence and confidence when transitioning to practice are the most popular research areas in Nurse Education in Practice. This study informs nurse and midwife educators and scholars about the volume and scope of pedagogical research in nursing and midwifery. It also makes recommendations on how to improve aspects of scholarship in education and areas for future pedagogical research.