Why students leave in the UK: an integrative review of the international research literature

Abstract

Abstract Aims and objectives. The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to find and review research studies which explored student attrition to determine what is known about the topic and to identify gaps in the research. Background. Attrition from nursing and midwifery programmes is a serious international problem. It is recognised as being a complex phenomenon, not attributable to a single cause, but to multiple reasons. Regardless of actual attrition rates and trends, departments of nursing and midwifery are challenged to perform in a businesslike manner. Consequently every student lost to a programme of study equates to a financial penalty for the department and to the future workforce and community. Design. Integrative review of the literature. Method. Using electronic databases and specific search terms 21 articles were identified and reviewed. Findings from the identified research literature were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results. Four broad themes that accounted for factors of relevance to attrition were identified: Social; Prediction; Programme and Personal. Conclusions. Methodological problems abound in studies into retention. These include incomplete or inaccurate data and low response rates. Attrition early in programmes can be attributed to a failure to understand the roles of nurses and midwives in contemporary societies. This has led to dissatisfaction with programmes and academic failure, as students may underestimate the intellectual demands of their programmes. Attrition later in the programme is attributed to a combination of personal factors that culminate in a personal crisis. Relevance to clinical practice. The research literature suggests that stereotyping of nurses is a major factor in attrition. Both professions need to find ways of communicating contemporary roles to wider society