A review of curriculum evaluation in United Kingdom nursing education

Citation

Roxburgh M, Watson R, Holland K, Johnson M, Lauder W & Topping KJ (2008) A review of curriculum evaluation in United Kingdom nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 28 (7), pp. 881-889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2008.03.003

Abstract
Recently we have witnessed several significant changes to the nursing curriculum in the United Kingdom (UK). This review forms part of a larger study evaluating the ‘fitness for practice’ elements of the nursing curriculum in Scotland. Systematic review methods were used including the following databases: CINAHL and BNI. Twenty six papers were retrieved and 14 remained after applying the review criteria, the main rationale being the empirical focus. It appears that there is a paucity of research in this area in the UK and papers dealt exclusively with either content, process or outcome evaluation of the nursing curriculum. National,well funded, multi-centre studies tended to be more rigorous. Results, where they were positive about curricular changes, tended to be limited. There is clearly a need for rigorous research into curriculum evaluation, both at the micro and macro level,which investigates content, process and outcome. Without such research, curriculum change will be uninformed.

Keywords
nurse education; evaluation; curricula; education; Nursing Study and teaching Great Britain; Curriculum evaluation

Journal
Nurse Education Today: Volume 28, Issue 7

People

Dr Michelle Roxburgh

Lecturer, Health Sciences (Highland & W.Isles)