The international "Simulation in Nursing" conference concluded its first edition in Asir on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Organized by King Khalid University's College of Nursing in Abha, the two-day event was held at the University's Exhibition and Conference Center in Al-Fara'a. The closing ceremony was attended by the university's Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Hamid bin Majdou' Al-Qarni, who also chaired the organizing committee, alongside deans of colleges, experts, and nursing students.

Participants recommended integrating simulation and advanced technologies into nursing curricula across all universities in Saudi Arabia. They also called for the establishment of high-quality simulation labs encompassing all healthcare specialties, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance shared learning. Discussions centered on overcoming challenges related to implementing and supporting simulation in nursing curricula, as well as strengthening the role of clinical simulation through diverse teaching methods to empower faculty members. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of implementing problem-based learning curricula in nursing programs and incorporating artificial intelligence courses into new or updated curricula. The conference recommendations will be forwarded to the Committee of Deans of Colleges of Nursing in Saudi Arabia.

The conference attracted over a thousand participants from various colleges and healthcare institutions. It included ten scientific sessions featuring 27 research papers and three interactive workshops, with eight keynote speakers. The aim was to enhance nursing education and training through realistic simulation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for education and healthcare development.

The second day of the conference featured an intensive program of scientific sessions and interactive workshops. Key sessions included a presentation by Dr. Ibtisam Abu Hashish on "Digital Transformation in Nursing and Innovations in Simulation," highlighting the importance of digital transformation in supporting nursing practices and improving patient care. Dr. Majed Suleiman Al-Amri from Hafr Al-Batin University also delivered a session on "Enhancing Learning and Performance through Simulation in Nursing Education."

Workshops covered topics such as simulation-enhanced professional education and the development of a telemedicine program for heart failure patients. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies used in nursing and how to improve the quality of care provided.

Scientific sessions featured presentations on topics such as the use of artificial intelligence in nursing practice, the impact of flipped classroom learning on nursing students' knowledge and skills, and the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy on anxiety and depression.