The ability to perform calculations competently is a basic requirement for all nurses. Calculations are used in everyday tasks such as working out drug doses, body mass index and fluid balance charts. Healthcare staff may have problems with numeracy and this can lead to drug errors, which can have a devastating effect on patients. The author argues that healthcare professionals’ numeracy skills should be assessed on a regular basis using a recognised, validated and reliable assessment tool.
Nursing Standard. 24, 27, 42-47. doi: 10.7748/ns2010.03.24.27.42.c7620
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
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