Abstract
Clinical simulation is a pedagogical strategy that recreates complex scenarios in a safe environment, promoting the integration of theory and practice in health education. This study aimed to identify and synthesize evidence regarding the contribution of clinical simulation to the development of competencies among health sciences students, with emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary learning. A narrative literature review was conducted in October 2025 using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Original articles published in English between 2015 and 2025 addressing the use of clinical simulation in health sciences were included. The findings were organized into three main domains: the impact of simulation on technical performance, its effects on stress and anxiety management, and its contributions to the development of socioemotional, communicational, relational, and behavioral competencies. The analyzed studies demonstrated that clinical simulation improves technical performance, enhances clinical reasoning, strengthens decision-making in complex situations, and reduces stress and anxiety during clinical practice. Furthermore, positive effects were observed in interpersonal communication, teamwork, and collaborative learning among different healthcare disciplines. Overall, the findings support the pedagogical value of clinical simulation as an evidence-based educational strategy, contributing to integrated training models and promoting safer, more effective, and patient-centered healthcare practices.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Magda Rita Castela da Cruz Ramos , Nélia Isabel Moita Gaudêncio , Claúdia Jorge de Sousa Oliveira, António Fernando Caldeira Lagem Abrantes (Author)

