Scales used to evaluate critical thinking in nursing graduation

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scales used to measure critical thinking in undergraduate nursing students.Methods: Scoping review guided by Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Search carried out in November/2021 in five databases and two libraries. Descriptive data analysis.Results: Final sample had 57 articles. 91% (n = 53) adopted a validated scale to measure critical thinking in nursing students, and 9% (n = 4) combined two of them. California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, California Critical Thinking Skills Test, and Health Science Reasoning Test were the most used scales. Studies with beginners prevailed, and there were several contexts and research themes. Simulation and concept mapping were the most evaluated teaching strategies, and 59.6% (n = 34) identified an increase in critical thinking after the intervention.Conclusions: Nursing managers and educators have 17 validated scales available to measure critical thinking, a fundamental element of clinical practice.