Journal of Advanced Nursing

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Nursing Educational Institutions: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To present the current evidence on the nature and principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs).

Method

Five databases (CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, ERIC and Educational Research Complete) and websites of Canadian nursing education institutions were searched for studies and grey literature on EDI. Information was analysed using the Diversio Diversity and Inclusion Survey (DDIS) framework to highlight the nature and principles of EDI in NEIs. A content analysis guided by a deductive approach informed the data synthesis.

Results

Eighty-eight studies (90 papers) published between 1999 and 2025 were included from 1301 identified articles in the database search. The websites of seven nursing institutions in Alberta, Canada, were examined. The review revealed facilitators, barriers and gaps. The results illustrated the presence and need for diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity and fairness, employing the DDIS framework across participant groups, curricula and contexts.

Conclusion

The literature on EDI in NEI is diverse and provides many facilitators, barriers, challenges and gaps. This review reveals the need for intervention and review studies to highlight specific practices that can lead to successful EDI implementation in NEIs.

Implications for Nursing

These results show that further research is required to refine the definition of EDI within the nursing academy. Evidence must be advanced to develop nursing theories, frameworks and methods specific to EDI implementation.

Impact

Promoting EDI is a vital goal for the nursing profession, and there is a need to understand how EDI behaves in NEIs. This review revealed facilitators, challenges, barriers, gaps and principles of EDI that exist within NEI in the literature. This data can support policy and practice change within NEIs and promote EDI within those organisations.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was adhered to in this review.

Patient and Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.