Higher education nursing students’ literacy skills: an scoping review

Objectives The study aims to identify and summarize existing knowledge on how information literacy (IL) is demonstrated among health students in higher education. Methods A scoping review approach with a systematic search of scholarly databases. Results Of the 3,770 results obtained, 14 studies were included in this review. Two main approaches to IL were identified: (1) perceived, and (2) applied IL among health education students. IL was commonly measured using eight previously validated instruments and three purpose-designed instruments. Perceived IL skills ranged from moderate to high levels, while applied skills appeared to be moderate. Perceived IL was significantly associated with students’ self-perception of importance; whereas, applied IL was significantly associated with age and academic seniority in nursing. Conclusions The IL of higher education health students seems to range from moderate to high levels. However, the vast number of IL instruments used indicates the need for further scale standardization and validation. Implications for international audience In education, greater emphasis should be placed on integrating (IL) aspects into the curriculum across all levels, rather than treating it as a separate, conceptual entity.