The influence of mathematics self‐efficacy on numeracy performance in first‐year nursing students: A quasi‐experimental study

Abstract

Aim and objectives To examine the factors that influence nursing students’ mathematics self‐efficacy, the effect of numeracy instruction on self‐efficacy, and the association between self‐efficacy and numeracy test performance. Background Medication administration errors, including administering incorrect dosages or infusion rates, can result in serious harm to patients. Hence, it is essential that nursing students are adequately prepared with the necessary numeracy skills during their nursing program. Design This quasi‐experimental cohort study used a pre‐ and post‐test survey design. The study complied with the STROBE checklist for cohort research. Methods In total, n = 715 undergraduate first year nursing students participated in the study from June to October 2017 at a single multi‐campus university in the Western Sydney region of Australia. Data were collected at three time‐points: (a) baseline, including assessing pre‐instruction mathematics self‐efficacy (NSE‐Math scale); (b) 6‐week follow‐up; including assessing post‐instruction mathematics self‐efficacy; and (c) numeracy test performance was collected at 7‐week follow‐up. Findings At baseline, those with high NSE‐Math scale scores were more likely to be male and have at least high school advanced mathematics level education. Following structured numeracy instruction, NSE‐Math scale scores increased significantly, and those who obtained a satisfactory grade in their numeracy assessment were more likely to have high NSE‐Math scale scores and high academic performance in the previous semester. Conclusion The study shows that structured numeracy instruction improved mathematics self‐efficacy, which in turn influenced numeracy test performance. Relevance to clinical practice Using a structured medication numeracy pedagogical approach, to teach skills in nursing undergraduate programs, provides students with the foundations to improve mathematics self‐efficacy and to be successful and safe with medication numeracy calculations and administration in clinical practice.

Using Simulation in First Year Nursing Student Curriculum to Improve Dosage Calculations

“…Demographic factors of nursing students are used in educational research to identify the makeup of the sample population but are rarely researched for relevance. Studies that were researched in the literature review did not show any statistically significant improvement in dosage calculation scores in relation to a nursing students age (Fusco et al, 2021;Gregory et al, 2019;Kuo et al, 2020).…”

“…Studies that were researched in the literature review did not show any statistically significant improvement in dosage calculation scores in relation to a nursing students' gender (Fusco et al, 2021;Gregory et al, 2019;Kim & Lee, 2020;Kuo et al, 2020). The literature review did find that age and gender demographics of nursing students play a role in increased satisfaction with learning and improved self-confidence (Dincer & Ataman, 2020;Gregory et al, 2019;Kim & Lee, 2020;Kuo et al, 2020).…”

“…A qualitative study will provide an in-depth examination of ADN students' and nursing educators feelings about the use of high-fidelity simulation to improve dosage calculation test scores. Findings in the literature indicated the use of high-fidelity simulation played a role in increased satisfaction with learning and improved self-confidence(Gregory et al, 2019;Kim &…”

Does teaching methodology affect medication dosage calculation skills of undergraduate nursing students?

“…Findings from this work provide support for Bandura's component of how performance achievement effects self-efficacy. Gregory et al (2019) found structured interventions and instruction significantly improved students' self-efficacy in math. [13] The increase in math self-efficacy was associated with positive math performance.…”

“…Gregory et al (2019) found structured interventions and instruction significantly improved students' self-efficacy in math. [13] The increase in math self-efficacy was associated with positive math performance. Nursing educators need to determine educational strategies that will help students achieve self-efficacy and become competent in MDC.…”