An evaluation of an online numeracy assessment tool.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate users' perceptions of an online numeracy assessment tool in terms of improving their numeracy and confidence in mathematical calculation.


METHODS
A quantitative and qualitative survey evaluation was performed. An online questionnaire was sent to 695 users of the tool. A response rate of 46% was achieved. Questions posed related to three broad areas: the respondents' mathematical qualifications and perceived level of competence, perceptions of the practice exercises and assessment, and the usability and design of the numeracy assessment tool.


RESULTS
After accessing the online numeracy tool, 23% of users undertook additional study to enhance their numeracy; 88% passed the practice assessment first time; 66% reported that the practice calculations reduced their anxiety about the final non-medical prescribing assessment; and 96% found the tool easy to use.


CONCLUSIONS
Competence in numeracy is an important skill for all healthcare professionals, including prescribers. The numeracy assessment tool enables poor numeracy skills to be identified and support provided to improve the calculation skills of clinical staff.
Warburton
Paul
P
Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk. warburtp@edgehill.ac.uk
Sherrington
Sam
S
Kirton
Jennifer
J
Ryland
Ida
I
Jinks
Annette
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D054796:Drug Dosage Calculations; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000451:nursing; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics / Q000193:education*; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires