title: [E-learning and university nursing education: an overview of reviews].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The increasing use of digital technologies and e-learning in nursing education and the health professions was also reflected in the time to many studies and reviews. The aim of this overview was to analyze education through e-learning technologies for nursing and health professional students.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive search of literature was conducted using database PubMed/MEDLINE, Ebsco/CINAHL, 2003-2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search strategy resulted in the inclusion, in first instance, of 9732 items. After the reduction of duplicates, applying limits and other parameters of inclusion/exclusion and, at the end, evaluation of quality through AMSTARD check list, we included in this overview, 22 reviews. The analized reviews were allowed to spread in different topic areas: study population (students and faculty), e-learning methods (blended learning Game/3D/situated learning) and evaluation (information technology, learning satisfaction comparison of e-learning with the traditional teaching methods)
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This overview demonstrates that e-learning in nursing academic education is a valid alternative to traditional learning. If e-learning activities are well structured and modulated, some advantages and economies are clear possible. Regard effects of e-learning on the improvement of ability, data are at the momenti limited when compared to traditional learning. Often e-learning appear as an adjunct respect traditional learning, but is necessary consider e-learning and digital tecnology as priority for the future of education of nursing students.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome. Corrispondence: walter.decaro@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: De Caro
authors.affiliation: Nursing Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome. Corrispondence: annarita.marucci@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Anna Rita
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Marucci
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giordani
authors.affiliation: Prof. Nursing Science, Nursing Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome. Corrispondence: julita.sansoni@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Julita
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sansoni
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D018794:Problem-Based Learning