Minimizing the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Nursing Education in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: In modern nursing education, the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical training is essential, but the theory-practice gap persists as a challenge. This gap refers to the difficulty of translating academic knowledge into real-world clinical scenarios (Abdullahi, et al., 2022). While the gap's existence is well-documented, recent shifts in nursing education, such as moving from apprenticeship models to more theoretical approaches, have further influenced its dynamics. Despite the rapid development of nursing education, nursing graduates yet experience a detach between their learning experience and the reality of working as qualified healthcare professionals (Saifan, et al.,2021). Aim: This study aimed to review potential solutions to minimize the theory-practice gap in nursing education. Methodology: This study is a narrative review of evidence. Using Google search engine, the author accessed databases for conducting the research, this included: ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and BioMed Central. After research, analysis, and critical appraisal thirty-seven papers published between 2010 and 2023 were included in the results. Result: Thirty-seven papers were analysed and categorized into six main themes in an attempt to answer the research question “how can we minimize the theory practice gap in Saudi Arabia?”. The six main themes are: (1) educational strategies targeting the theory-practice gap, (2) addressing the clinical training of newly graduated nurses, (3) Clinical training, (4) the role of nurse educators, (5) the role of clinical mentors, (6) fostering effective collaboration between nurse educators and clinical mentors. Conclusion: The theory-practice gap remains a significant challenge in nursing education, requiring strategic and collaborative efforts for resolution. Strategies, such as problem-based learning, simulation, mentorship, and educator-practitioner collaboration, hold promise in minimizing the gap. In Saudi Arabia, the theory-practice gap in nursing education gains special importance due to the country's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. With a growing demand for skilled nurses to navigate modern healthcare complexities, bridging this gap becomes a necessity. Keywords: Nursing, Education, Gap, Theory, Practice, Saudi Arabia.