REALISTIC SIMULATION AS A TEACHING METHOD: IMPACT ON LEARNING AND PRACTICE IN HEALTH TRAINING

Abstract

This article aimed to identify the main impacts of realistic simulation as a teaching method on the learning and practice of healthcare students. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases from May to June 2025. Controlled descriptors related to simulation in healthcare education were used, combined using Boolean operators. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies published between 2018 and 2025 were selected, comprising the final sample. Data analysis identified four main thematic categories: development of technical and cognitive skills; strengthening emotional and behavioral competencies; promoting patient safety and reflective practice; and expanding the integration between theory and practice. The results demonstrate that realistic simulation significantly contributes to the training of more prepared, confident, and humanized professionals, in addition to fostering more active and student-centered learning. It is concluded that realistic simulation is an effective pedagogical tool, with the potential to transform traditional educational practices and strengthen the quality of training in the health field.