A decade of simulation-based learning in higher Education
Bibliometric mapping of thematic trends, disciplinary adoption, and future directions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22204240 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Agariadne Dwinggo Samala (0000-0002-4425-0605, State University of Padang, corresponding author), Natalie-Jane Howard (0000-0001-7050-6371, Higher Colleges of Technology), Feri Ferdian (0000-0001-8166-9301), Muammer Maral (0000-0002-2055-5711, Milli Savunma Üniversitesi), Yudha Aditya Fiandra (0000-0002-1861-8621, State University of Padang), Yevgeniya Daineko (Satbayev University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 103154 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Social Sciences & Humanities Open (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2590-2911 • E-ISSN: 2590-2911 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.103154 |
| OpenAlex | W7165933382 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 143 |
Simulation-based learning (SBL) has evolved into a widely adopted instructional approach in higher education. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 145 Scopus-indexed publications (2015–2025) using PRISMA protocols and science-mapping techniques in VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. The results indicate a significant increase in research output after 2020, with nursing and health sciences as the dominant contributors to SBL development and empirical research. Two interpretive frameworks are proposed based on the observed bibliometric patterns: the Disciplinary Adoption Cascade , which conceptualizes disciplinary diffusion as a staged maturation process across knowledge systems, and the Global Equity–Innovation Paradox , which highlights the relationship between geographic disparities in publication output and uneven access to simulation technologies. These frameworks build on conventional bibliometric analysis by introducing a structured interpretive layer to explain field development. The thematic analysis identifies ‘simulation-based learning’ and ‘human-centered simulation’ as mature motor themes, while ‘virtual reality’ and ‘AI-driven feedback’ emerge as developing research fronts. Overall, the findings highlight the need for stronger alignment between technological innovation and pedagogical design. Future progress in the field may depend on cross-disciplinary alignment of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and longitudinal studies examining the transfer of simulation-acquired competencies to real-world practice
Bibliometrics · Discipline · Knowledge transfer · Thematic analysis · Educational Games and Gamification · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
Competency-based medical education
Co-word analysis as a tool for describing the network of interactions between basic and technological research
Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus
How to conduct a bibliometric analysis
Bibliometrix
The PRISMA 2020 statement
Bibliometric Methods in Management and Organization
Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology
Increased Perceived Confidence in Professional Role Skills among Undergraduate Dietetic Students Following Simulation-Based Learning Experiences
Student decision-making through classroom simulation-based learning
The development of a collaborative problem solving environment that integrates a scaffolding mind tool and simulation-based learning
Use of interprofessional simulation-based learning to develop perioperative nursing students’ self-efficacy in responding to acute situations
Perception, beliefs and attitudes towards simulation-based learning in healthcare students
Simulation-Based Learning in Higher Education
Virtual reality simulation‐based learning of teaching with alternative perspectives taking
Improving teaching practices via virtual reality‐supported simulation‐based learning
Highlighting practices and dialogic moves
Simulation-based learning in higher education and professional training
Collaboration and emotions during simulation-based learning in general management courses
Evaluating the implementation of person-centred care and simulation-based learning in a midwifery education programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Maintaining Clinical Training Continuity during Covid-19 Pandemic
Observational Study Exploring the Efficacy and Effectiveness of a New Model of Peer-Assisted Simulation-Based Learning Clinical Placement
Simulation-Based Learning in School Social Work Education
Child protection and cultural awareness
Utilizing Game-Based American Simulation Pedagogy to Teach Norwegian Students American Studies
Software survey
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |