Abstract
AIM: The aim of the study was to identify and reflect on evidence regarding the use of simulation in nursing education.
BACKGROUND: The use of simulation as a teaching strategy in nursing is expanding. It is important to check the evidence deriving from research.
METHOD: Departing from a guiding question, an international literature search was undertaken between January 2008 and March 2014 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
RESULTS: Out of 160 articles, 68.1 percent used simulated teaching to develop clinical reasoning; 31.9 percent used it to train skills. Most (about 91.8 percent) discussed positive aspects related to the use of simulation, including support for the teaching process and increased self-efficacy and self-confidence.
CONCLUSION: The studies indicate that appropriate tools are needed to measure the true impact of the strategy on the teaching of nursing care and the training needed to use simulation as a teaching strategy.