Exploring the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing curricula through an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review was to explore the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion within nursing education. Moving forward with the new AACN Essentials, nursing professors will be required to integrate these concepts into the curriculum, therefore it is important to understand what is currently available in the literature.

Methods: An exhaustive review of the literature revealed that among the original 3,107 articles found, only 24 were included because of the narrowed IR focus on curriculum. Articles were then evaluated for suggested learning activities.

Results: This IR reviews 24 articles in total. Some of the articles reviewed contained more than one concept. Of the articles reviewed, 18 focused on inclusion, 8 on equity, and 13 on diversity.

Conclusions: The findings first and foremost indicate the need to incorporate teaching and learning practices related to the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion and secondly the need to publish additional best practices and exemplars.