An Evaluation of the Readiness of the Jamaican Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Management

In Jamaica, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the number one cause of disability and 80% of deaths, imposing a significant health and economic burden. Nurses provide screening, patient education and health promotion to aid in chronic disease prevention and management; however, the nurses are not demonstrating sufficient skills to effectively assist persons to develop self-management behaviours. In lieu of this, it is unclear whether the curriculum is in a state of readiness to sufficiently train graduates to effectively assist patients. This study evaluated the design and operational readiness of the curriculum, focusing on the curriculum’s strengths and gaps.
A comparative qualitative multiple-case study design was used to conduct the study across three universities that offer undergraduate nursing. Thirty-one people from a sample of 72 from two universities participated in the interviews. Over two weeks, the curriculum was analysed, and five classes were observed; four met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative data were collected on classroom operations, curriculum design, and participants’ perceptions of curriculum readiness.
Qualitative data analysis revealed an incomplete readiness of the curriculum to effectively prepare graduates to prevent and manage NCDs.
The gaps in the curriculum have implications for nurses developing the relevant knowledge and skills to support improved patient outcomes. The findings offer evidence to help stakeholders better align the curriculum with industry needs.