Numeracy Teaching for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Scoping Review

J Nurs Educ. 2024 Apr;63(4):218-227. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20240207-03. Epub 2024 Apr 1.

Abstract

Background: Education providers teach numeracy to undergraduate nursing students using a diverse range of approaches. Proficiency in numeracy skills is critical for patient safety; however, alarmingly, the accuracy rate of calculations by both undergraduate nurses and RNs is reported to be low.

Method: The literature search yielded 1,180 articles published between 1994 and 2022. The assessment of the studies was reported using the PRIMSA extension for Scoping Reviews.

Results: Thirty-nine articles were included in the review. A diverse range of approaches were used to teach numeracy including learning theory, methods of calculation, learning environment, and examination aids.

Conclusion: This review highlights the plethora of approaches for teaching numeracy within undergraduate nursing education. Internationally, there were limited studies on the most effective teaching approaches; therefore, developing a robust evidence-based numeracy framework would be beneficial to guide non-nursing instructors in teaching undergraduate nurses. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(4):218-227.].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate* / methods
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Students, Nursing*
  • Teaching