Academic Dishonesty in University Nursing Students: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective This review seeks to deepen our understanding of the factors contributing to nursing students' academic dishonesty and the repercussions of such behaviours on their learning in both classroom and clinical settings, and on the integrity of the nursing profession.

Design and methods It was a scoping review in which a five-stage methodological framework informed its process. Six databases were searched for relevant original studies. Other search methods were also conducted using Google Scholar, Trove, and ProQuest Dissertations for theses pertinent to the topic. An inductive descriptive approach was used to analyse and synthesise data.

Results Twenty-seven studies and nine doctoral theses were selected and included in the scoping review. Of these, 25 studies used a quantitative approach, nine studies a qualitative one, and two studies used mixed methods. Three categorical factors, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and external, contributed to nursing students' academic dishonesty.

Conclusion Academic dishonesty in nursing students is concerning. Noted factors contributing to academic dishonesty include stress and pressure experienced by students, the prevalence of peer cheating, and lack of knowledge. Most alarming is the significant correlation between academic dishonesty and clinical dishonesty. The evidence suggests that students who engage in dishonest behaviour in academic settings may be more likely to engage in dishonest behaviour in clinical settings. This raises serious concerns about integrity, ethics, patient safety and the reputation of nursing students, universities, healthcare providers and health professionals.

Description

Used by permission: the author(s) and Elsevier.

Keywords

academic dishonesty, nursing students, academic integrity, academic misconduct, clinical dishonesty, nurses

Citation

He, F. X., Fanaian, M., Zhang, N. M., Gielis, L., Razaghi, K., & Evans, A. (2024). Academic dishonesty in university nursing students: A scoping review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 154, Article 104752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104752

International Standard Serial Number

0020-7489

International Standard Book Number

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