Nursing Education for the Coordination of Care and Services: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose: A crucial part of the health care field is the coordination of care and services, which requires suitable education for the nurses who are responsible for it. However, there is great diversity in the educational programs provided to those nurses, with significant differences in terms of content and pedagogical methods. The objective of this scoping review is to identify and assess educational programs to determine preferred content and content warranting further study as well as to highlight existing pedagogical innovations.

Methodology: We systematically researched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Global Health, JBI, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and EBM Reviews – Cochrane databases for sources published between January 2008 and December 2023. We also covered grey literature. We did not apply any limits to the type of research design. We used a thematic approach to data analysis, both deductive (guided by the theoretical framework Modèle des activités de coordination des soins et des services pour les personnes ayant des besoins complexes) and inductive, and submitted the findings to a review by experts.

Findings: Nineteen courses or programs were selected from among scientific sources (n = 15) and grey literature (n = 4). Of those, the coordination activities category “intervening with intra- and inter-disciplinary teams” appears less well covered than the other three categories of the model. Specifically, activities touching on the clarification of roles and responsibilities (n = 5) and leadership (n = 5) are rarely addressed. As well, in the category “intervening with the person and those close to them,” the activity related to planning end of life care is barely addressed (n = 2). Several pedagogical innovations were identified, including the involvement of the person and someone close to them in simulation activities, using conceptual maps to develop an individualized care and services plan, and use of evolutive case studies.

Discussion and Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of revising and enhancing existing educational programs to better prepare nurses to meet the growing challenges of coordinating care. Continuous reflection on how to adapt courses, whether initial or continuing, is needed to guarantee more efficient and sustainable coordination of care.