Fostering understanding of anatomy and physiology among undergraduate nursing students for integration into clinical practice: An integrative literature review

Aim

To critically examine and synthesise peer-reviewed scientific literature to describe how undergraduate nursing students can be prepared for the integration of anatomy and physiology into clinical practice.

Background

Anatomy and physiology courses provide a scientific foundation for health and disease processes and inform all interventions in their management. However, integrating anatomy and physiology into clinical practice is one of the more challenging aspects of nursing education.

Design

An integrative literature review

Methods

Data were retrieved from PubMed Central, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Medline and EBSCOHOST databases, including CINAHL. Quality was ensured through the Johns Hopkins Evidence-based Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis occurred alongside thematic analysis, which was conducted using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting findings.

Results

Twenty-one articles were included in the review, representing studies across 11 countries in Africa, America, Asia and Europe. The findings revealed that preparation for undergraduate nursing students for the integration of anatomy and physiology into clinical practice is through learner-centred teaching and learning approaches, the use of technology, curriculum transformation, practical educational strategies, the clinical setting as a learning context, an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of anatomy and physiology within practical assessments.

Conclusions

Interventions undertaken in clinical settings and nursing education institutions ought to facilitate the integration of human anatomy and physiology into clinical practice. Results underscore the necessity for curriculum reforms to incorporate teaching and learning strategies that centre on the learners, use of technology and additional assessment. We advocate for establishing a framework for integrating anatomy and physiology with clinical practice.