Knowledge of student nurses of cost concepts in Health economics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge of student nurses regarding the cost concepts in health economics, specifically the efficient allocation of resources and determining the cost of interventions, in order to prepare them to deliver cost-effective yet quality nursing care. An explorative and descriptive quantitative design was used. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Respondents were student nurses studying towards becoming professional nurses in their final year of study (comprehensive programme). The results revealed an apparent lack of knowledge among student nurses regarding cost concepts in health economics, although respondents agreed that knowledge of health economics is essential for nursing practice. The results led the researcher to draw a strong conclusion that there is a need for the inclusion of a module regarding health economics in the nursing curriculum and in continuous professional development (CPD) workshops and in-service training.