The fundamentals of care framework in nursing education: A scoping review

To identify and map the use of the Fundamentals of Care Framework in nursing education.

A scoping review.

Electronic searches were conducted in May 2024 and were updated in March 2025 with no time or geographical limits, using Cumulative Index to Nursing, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO for published sources.

JBI's methodology for scoping reviews.

Fifteen studies were included, reporting widespread activities and diverse use of the Fundamentals of Care Framework in nursing education in ten countries. Most activities were within the context of developing questionnaires, structuring feedback for students, case-based work, lectures and laboratory skills sessions. Only four studies evaluated students' and educators' use of the Fundamentals of Care Framework. The Fundamentals of Care Framework does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach for teaching nursing students to deliver safe, effective, high-quality fundamental care. Instead, the Framework can be used in numerous ways in learning activities to emphasise person-centred care in nursing educational contexts.

The Fundamentals of Care Framework can be used in various contexts of nursing education, from curriculum development to teaching in both theoretical and clinical context. It shows promise in developing critical reflection and teaching person-centred care, with potential for broader global use. More research is needed to evaluate the outcomes of using the Framework, which could include exploring educators' experiences and measurable data to determine the Framework's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact in nursing education to support evidence-based teaching practices. The use of the Fundamentals of Care Framework in nursing education has the potential to foster an environment conducive to learning about person-centred care and to prepare students for professional practice. Nursing education programs at both Bachelor and Master levels might consider using the Fundamentals of Care Framework to emphasise person-centred care.