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Transfer of learning in baccalaureate nursing education: a systematic scoping review

  • Cathleen A. Evans ORCID logo EMAIL logo , Barbara Patterson , Brenda Elliott ORCID logo , Katie A. Chargualaf and Mary L. Baumberger-Henry
Published/Copyright: March 24, 2025

Abstract

Objectives

Examine how transfer of learning (ToL) has been applied in baccalaureate nursing education.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was conducted with the search terms transfer, transfer of learning, transfer of knowledge, and learning transfer, of peer-reviewed literature in CINAHL, Medline, and Google Scholar. Inductive content analysis with open coding was employed.

Results

Thirty-three sources were included in the final review: 26 research and seven non-research. Researchers identified three ToL categories: process, measure, and context. A mixture of terminology, definitions, and theoretical underpinnings contributed to conceptual confusion.

Implications for international audience

Understanding how ToL was applied in baccalaureate nursing education could inform educators how to develop competency-based curricula. Variable use of ToL in the literature limits meaningful applicability.

Conclusions

Identification of inconsistent terminology, measure, and varying applications of ToL in the literature was evident.


Corresponding author: Cathleen A. Evans, PhD, RN, CEN, CNE, NDHP-BC, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013, USA, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the generous assistance of Kristina Dorsett, MSIS with the extensive literature search.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  4. Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  5. Conflict of interests: Authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: None declared.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

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Received: 2024-03-11
Accepted: 2024-10-15
Published Online: 2025-03-24

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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