Advancing Clinical Skills Education for Healthcare Students Through Virtual and Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review of Innovative Training Approaches

Introduction: Recent advances in immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), have transformed the landscape of clinical skills education. These tools offer safe, controlled, and interactive environments where learners can repeatedly practice critical procedures without risking patient safety. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR and AR-based educational interventions in enhancing the clinical competencies of nursing and midwifery students. Methods: Following PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for studies published from January ۲۰۱۳ to December ۲۰۲۴. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and qualitative research assessing VR or AR interventions for teaching core clinical skills to nursing and midwifery students. Data extraction was performed using standardized forms, and methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: Among ۱,۱۲۸ identified records, ۴۱ studies met the inclusion criteria. VR applications were widely used for high-fidelity simulations of obstetric emergencies, neonatal resuscitation, and critical care nursing procedures. AR platforms enhanced anatomy learning, guided skill performance in real-time, and facilitated point-of-care decision-making. Across studies, VR and AR interventions improved knowledge retention (by ۱۶-۲۸%), procedural accuracy (by ۱۴-۳۵%), and learner confidence compared to traditional methods. Students reported increased engagement, reduced anxiety before performing procedures on real patients, and appreciation for flexible, self-paced learning. However, challenges included high initial setup costs, technological downtime, and limited faculty training on integrating these tools into curricula. Conclusion: VR and AR technologies provide compelling, evidence-based alternatives or supplements to conventional clinical training methods for nursing and midwifery education. Their adaptability, safety, and capacity for individualized feedback enhance learners' skill acquisition and confidence, ultimately contributing to better patient care. Institutions should invest in sustainable integration strategies, faculty development, and infrastructure to maximize the educational benefits of immersive learning technologies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Virtual Reality ، Augmented Reality ، Clinical Skills ، Nursing Education ، Midwifery Education ، Simulation-Based Learning ، Interprofessional Education