• Paul Warburton, Sam Sherrington, Jennifer Kirton, Ida Ryland, and Annette Jinks.
• Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk. warburtp@edgehill.ac.uk
• Nurs Stand. 2010 Mar 31;24(30):62-4, 66, 68.

AimTo evaluate users' perceptions of an online numeracy assessment tool in terms of improving their numeracy and confidence in mathematical calculation.MethodA quantitative and qualitative survey evaluation was performed. An online questionnaire was sent to 695 users of the tool. A response rate of 46% was achieved. Questions posed related to three broad areas: the respondents' mathematical qualifications and perceived level of competence, perceptions of the practice exercises and assessment, and the usability and design of the numeracy assessment tool.FindingsAfter accessing the online numeracy tool, 23% of users undertook additional study to enhance their numeracy; 88% passed the practice assessment first time; 66% reported that the practice calculations reduced their anxiety about the final non-medical prescribing assessment; and 96% found the tool easy to use.ConclusionCompetence in numeracy is an important skill for all healthcare professionals, including prescribers. The numeracy assessment tool enables poor numeracy skills to be identified and support provided to improve the calculation skills of clinical staff.

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