A bibliometric analysis of simulation-based learning in medical education: trends, gaps, and future directions

Background: Simulation-based medical education (SBME) has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare training, enhancing clinical competence, decision-making, and patient safety. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of SBME literature from 2001 to early 2025, aiming to map publication trends, key contributors, thematic developments, and global research collaboration. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. A total of 613 articles were screened, with 520 included for analysis. The Bibliometrix R package was used for trend analysis, author productivity, keyword co-occurrence, and collaboration network mapping. Results: SBME publications showed significant growth, peaking in 2024. Key contributors include Schijven M and Cook DA. Major research themes shifted from technical skill acquisition to non-technical competencies and technology-enhanced learning, including virtual reality and AI. Co-occurrence analysis revealed distinct thematic clusters and rising global collaborations, though disparities persist, particularly in underrepresented regions. A noted decline in 2025 output reflects partial-year data and is included only for context rather than trend interpretation. Conclusion: SBME research has evolved rapidly, driven by technological advances and global health priorities. Continued investment in equitable access, interdisciplinary collaboration, and outcome-based studies is vital to fully realize the transformative potential of simulation in medical education.