Digital Learning Approaches in Nursing Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends from 2020 to 2025

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2026

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Digital Learning Approaches in Nursing Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends from 2020 to 2025

Rebeka Lekše

ABSTRACT:

Digital learning approaches have become increasingly important in nursing education, especially following the rapid digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the development, structure, and emerging trends of digital learning approaches in nursing education from 2020 to February 2025. It addressed three research questions regarding the main research topics structuring the field, the evolution of digital learning methods over time, and the most frequently cited studies. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 446 peer-reviewed publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, using VOSviewer to analyze keyword co-occurrence, thematic clusters, citation patterns, and publication trends. The findings indicate a substantial increase in research activity, with simulation emerging as the central pedagogical focus. Seven thematic clusters were identified, highlighting virtual reality, gamification, artificial intelligence, simulation-based learning, clinical competence, interprofessional education, and experiential learning as key areas of interest. The most frequently cited publications were predominantly systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggesting that the field is largely shaped by evidence synthesis rather than long-term experimental studies. Digital learning approaches show considerable potential to enhance nursing students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, self-confidence, and engagement; however, their effectiveness depends on pedagogical integration, accessibility, instructional design, and alignment with competency-based learning outcomes. Future research should prioritize longitudinal, experimental, and internationally collaborative studies to evaluate sustained impact, clinical transferability, and equity.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Clinical Competence; Gamification; Simulation; Virtual Reality