References

Rolison JJ, Morsanyi K, Peters E Understanding Health Risk Comprehension: The Role of Math Anxiety, Subjective Numeracy, and Objective Numeracy. Med Decis Making. 2020; 40:(2)222-234 https://doi.org/10.1177/0272989X20904725

Royal College of Nursing. Tackling number problems. 2019. https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/safety-in-numbers/tackling-number-problems (accessed 26 June 2021)

Williams B, Davis S Maths anxiety and medication dosage calculation errors: A scoping review. Nurse Educ Pract. 2016; 20:139-146 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2016.08.005

Calculation Skills: keeping it simple

01 July 2021
Volume 3 · Issue 7

Abstract

The complexity of mathematics has been pondered since the dawn of time and it is considered one of the fundamental skills required of prescribers to facilitate effective, safe practice. Williams and Davis (2016) remind us that the potential for serious health consequences for patients is dependent on the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the clinician's drug calculations. Indicator 4.6 in A competency framework for all prescribers requires that the prescribing practitioner ‘Accurately completes and routinely checks calculations relevant to prescribing and practical dosing’ (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2016). However, there remains a significant amount of anxiety in respect of numerical literacy amongst some clinicians, often characterised by negative emotions that interfere with performance (Rolison et al, 2020). Opportunities for maths education is often avoided in those with maths anxiety, thus compounding the problem. Exposure to drug calculations and embracing numerical problem-solving should be a central component of the prescriber's continuous professional development, particularly if maths anxiety is acknowledged. The Royal College of Nursing (2019) advocate that harm to patients will be minimised if drug calculations are not rushed, but divided into smaller steps, using mental arithmetic, a calculator, applying a formula and using conversion tables. Try the following drug calculations and remember that Sir Isaac Newton [1643-1727] once said ‘Truth [the answer] is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things’. To this end, try to keep it simple!

The complexity of mathematics has been pondered since the dawn of time and it is considered one of the fundamental skills required of prescribers to facilitate effective, safe practice. Williams and Davis (2016) remind us that the potential for serious health consequences for patients is dependent on the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the clinician's drug calculations. Indicator 4.6 in A competency framework for all prescribers requires that the prescribing practitioner ‘Accurately completes and routinely checks calculations relevant to prescribing and practical dosing’ (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2016). However, there remains a significant amount of anxiety in respect of numerical literacy amongst some clinicians, often characterised by negative emotions that interfere with performance (Rolison et al, 2020). Opportunities for maths education is often avoided in those with maths anxiety, thus compounding the problem. Exposure to drug calculations and embracing numerical problem-solving should be a central component of the prescriber's continuous professional development, particularly if maths anxiety is acknowledged. The Royal College of Nursing (2019) advocate that harm to patients will be minimised if drug calculations are not rushed, but divided into smaller steps, using mental arithmetic, a calculator, applying a formula and using conversion tables. Try the following drug calculations and remember that Sir Isaac Newton [1643-1727] once said ‘Truth [the answer] is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things’. To this end, try to keep it simple!

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