Neurological assessment in pre-registration education: what, how and why?

Background: Nurses' ability to perform neurological assessments is widely accepted as important for patient safety. Standards for pre-registration nurse education in the UK and literature suggest that there is currently no standardisation of what, how and why neurological assessment education should be delivered and assessed by nurse educators. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the education of pre-registration nursing students in relation to neurological assessment with a view of informing, developing, and helping to standardise the education of neurological assessment in pre-registration nursing courses. Methods: A cross-sectional study delivered by a mixed question survey of nurse educators from across Europe. Results: Variations exist in what elements neurological assessment consist of and how it is delivered in pre-registration nurse education training across Europe. A clear desire for standardisation of practice by nurse educators was identified. Conclusions: Standardisation of what, how and why neurological assessment education is delivered in pre-registration nurse training has the potential to support nurse confidence, competence and patient safety.