Pre-licensure Nursing Education for the Care of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17483/pb8cc569

Keywords:

nursing curriculum, intellectual and developmental disabilities, nursing education

Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map evidence about pre-licensure nursing curricula for the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and to identify related themes, learning settings, and teaching and learning methods.

Methods: This scoping review followed JBI scoping review methodology and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Data sources included CINAHL, ERIC, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Premium, and APA PsycInfo.

Results: A total of 135 articles were included. Patient-centred care and communication were the most frequent topics. Content about this population was delivered primarily within clinical placements in patient care facilities. People with IDD were typically not actively included in designing or delivering this content.

Conclusion: Future research should focus on the development of nursing curriculum priorities for the care of people with IDD, as well as pedagogical approaches that include people with IDD in curriculum design and delivery.

Author Biographies

  • Anna Don, Algonquin College

    BScN, RN, PhD

  • Laura Rogal-Black, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN, PhD (Experimental Psychology); Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

  • Mary Ann Murray, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN, PhD; Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

  • Helena Merriam, Algonquin College

    Library and Information Technician Program; Bachelor of Information Technology-Information Resource Management; School of Wellness, Public Safety and Community Studies; Professor and Coordinator

  • Janet McCabe, Ontario Tech University

    RN, BScN, MEd, PhD; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University

  • Benjamin Carroll, Queen’s University

    RN, BScN, MScN; School of Nursing, Queen’s University

  • Susan Eldred, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN, EdD; Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

  • Sushma Chowdhury, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN; Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

  • Selam Gessese, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN; Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

  • Kimberley Zappavigna, Algonquin College

    RN, BScN; Nursing Studies, Algonquin College

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Published

October 30, 2026

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Article

How to Cite

Pre-licensure Nursing Education for the Care of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review. (2026). Quality Advancement in Nursing Education - Avancées En Formation infirmière, 12(3), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.17483/pb8cc569