Reinforcing Statistical Literacy in Graduate Nursing Courses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Statistics in Healthcare
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) require statistical literacy for evidence-based practice.
• Faculty identified a need for resources to reinforce statistical competencies in students.
• Students struggled with retaining statistical concepts taught earlier in their coursework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a resource that enhances statistical literacy for APRN students.
• To optimize learning efficiency and minimize cognitive overload in statistical education.
• To provide a tool for reviewing and retaining statistical concepts.

Main Methods:

• A modular LibGuide was created, incorporating self-assessments and low-stakes quizzes.
• Cognitive load theory guided the resource's design.
• The LibGuide was embedded within an APRN course.

Main Results:

• The LibGuide received 3,198 views over two years.
• Usage peaked at the beginning of academic terms.
• Most views originated from the course where the LibGuide was integrated.

Conclusions:

• Embedding review resources is recommended for APRN courses.
• Such resources support cognitive processing and retention of statistical concepts.
• This approach enhances statistical literacy crucial for evidence-based practice.