The effect of serious games on cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in nursing students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: Serious games are increasingly used in nursing education as an innovative teaching method. However, evidence regarding the impact of this approach on nursing students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge has not yet been reviewed. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of serious games on nursing students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study is of meta-analysis type. In this study, a literature search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement using six databases for studies published up to January 20, 2025. Data were analyzed using CMA statistical software. RESULTS: Five studies conducted in four different countries with a total of 379 nursing students were included in the analysis. Three of these studies were randomized controlled and two were quasi-experimental. Heterogeneity was observed across studies due to the diversity of serious games, platforms used, and gamification elements. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that serious games provide positive effects in improving nursing students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge. However, given the methodological limitations of existing studies, further research evaluating the effectiveness of serious games with more robust designs is needed. REGISTRATION: A protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD420251111467).