Data and Analytical Files for: Structured Clinical Reasoning Interventions in Nursing Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2021–2025)

This dataset contains the foundational evidence, search strategies, quality assessment scores, and statistical outputs for a systematic review and meta-analysis of structured clinical reasoning (CR) interventions in nursing education.
The study synthesizes 20 international studies (N = 1,582 participants) across 14 countries. It evaluates the overall efficacy of CR interventions and investigates two primary moderators: Ecological Fidelity (authentic clinical settings vs. simulation laboratories) and Assessment Framework (LCJR-anchored rubrics vs. procedural models like CJM/NCRS).
Researchers can use these files to replicate the meta-analysis, update the evidence base, or conduct secondary subgroup analyses on nursing competency development.
Files and Folder Structure
1. Search and Selection Documentation
Boolean equation.txt: The exact search strings used across six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley, SpringerLink, SciELO) to ensure reproducibility.
export.bib: A comprehensive bibliographic file of all identified and screened records.
prisma.png: The PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram illustrating the screening process from initial identification to final inclusion.
Appendix_A_PICOS_Eligibility_Framework.docx: Detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Design.
2. Quality and Risk of Bias Assessment
ROBINS_I_CORRECTED.xlsx: The primary data sheet containing detailed Risk of Bias assessments for the included studies.
Appendix_B_ROBINS_I_Risk_of_Bias_Table.docx: A formatted summary table of the quality assessment for publication.
3. Statistical Data and Meta-Analysis Outputs
Appendix_C_Meta_Analysis_Strategy.docx: Documentation of the statistical methods, including the random-effects model, Hedges’ g calculation, and heterogeneity (I²) protocols.
forest_plot.png (1, 2, & 3): High-resolution forest plots showing the pooled effect sizes for the overall analysis and the specified subgroup analyses (Ecological Fidelity and Assessment Framework).
funnel_plot.png: A visual representation used to assess publication bias (complemented by Egger’s test results in the manuscript).
Appendix_D_GRADE_Summary_of_Findings.docx: The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) table assessing the certainty of the evidence.
4. Summary Tables and Manuscript Supplements
Table_1.docx: Characteristics of included studies (geographic scope, participant demographics, intervention types).
Table_2_Multidimensional_Efficacy_CR_Interventions_2021_2025.docx: Detailed breakdown of effect sizes across different learning environments and theoretical frameworks.
Highlights.docx: The core findings of the study, including the primary driver of CR development: structured reflective scaffolding.
Methodology Highlights
Timeframe: 2021–2025 (capturing post-pandemic shifts in nursing education).