Nursing education is increasingly transitioning from discipline-specific instruction towards interdisciplinary and competency-based approaches that reflect the complexity of modern healthcare systems.
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health technologies, genomics, climate science, and health policy have reshaped healthcare delivery, necessitating a workforce capable of integrating knowledge across multiple domains. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, must therefore develop interdisciplinary interest and competencies to deliver safe, effective, and holistic care.
Globally, interdisciplinary education has been recognised as a critical strategy for enhancing teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving in health professions. In India, recent curricular reforms advocate competency-based education. However, systematic integration of interdisciplinary domains remains uneven. This review examines existing evidence on interdisciplinary interest in nursing education, highlights emerging domains, and critically discusses implications for Indian nursing education.
Conceptual Framework
This review is guided by an interdisciplinary competency framework, which conceptualises nursing education as an integrative system linking clinical knowledge, technological literacy, public health understanding, and policy awareness. Within this framework, interdisciplinary interest is defined as the motivation and readiness of nursing students to engage with and apply knowledge from diverse disciplines to address complex healthcare challenges. The framework supports analytical synthesis of evidence and provides a basis for interpreting the relevance of emerging domains in nursing education.
Methodology
Study Design
A narrative review methodology was adopted literature on interdisciplinary interest in nursing education.
Data Sources and Search Strategy
Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords such as interdisciplinary learning, nursing education, artificial intelligence, digital health, genomics, climate change, and health policy
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Data Analysis
Selected studies were reviewed and thematically analysed to identify recurring domains, benefits, challenges, and contextual issues. Although formal quality appraisal was not undertaken, methodological strengths and limitations of the included studies were considered during synthesis.
Review of Literature
Interdisciplinary Learning and Student Competencies Evidence across global studies indicates that interdisciplinary education enhances clinical reasoning, teamwork, communication skills, and innovation among nursing students. Comparative analysis suggests that programmes incorporating structured interdisciplinary modules demonstrate superior learning outcomes compared to traditional curricula (Al-Kuwaiti et al, 2021; Bainbridge & Wood, 2020; Chan & Sit, 2022; Guraya & Barr, 2018; Thistlethwaite, 2020; WHO, 2021).
Integration of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences The integration of psychological sciences strengthens nurses’ ability to understand patient behaviour, support mental health care, and engage in empathetic communication. Studies consistently report improved patientcentred competencies, although variations exist in curricular depth and assessment strategies (Mukherjee & Dutta, 2022; Arya et al, 2022; Levett-Jones et at, 2019; Jacob et al, 2023).
Public Health and Population-Based Perspectives Public health integration prepares nursing students for epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, and emergency response. While global programmes show robust outcomes, Indian studies highlight implementation challenges related to infrastructure and faculty preparedness (Jones et al, 2021; Johnson & Smith, 2021; Singh et al, 2024; Kumar & Thomas, 2020; Indian Nursing Council, 2021).
Genetics and Genomics
Genomic literacy is increasingly recognised as essential for modern nursing practice. Evidence supports its inclusion; however, gaps remain in faculty expertise and standardised curriculum frameworks, particularly in developing contexts (Tan et al, 2025; Fang et al, 2024; Health Professions Council of India, 2023).
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
AI-supported learning, simulation, and digital health tools enhance critical thinking and technological readiness. Nevertheless, the literature reveals disparities in access, ethical concerns, and limited evaluative research on long-term outcomes (Beckman, 2025; O’Connor et al, 2023; Chan & Sit, 2022)
Climate Change and Environmental Health
Environmental health education equips nurses to respond to climate-related health challenges. Despite growing global emphasis, Indian nursing curricula demonstrate limited formal integration of climate-health content (Nicholas et al, 2021; IPCC, 2022; Indian Nursing Council, 2021).
Health Policy and Political Competence
Policy literacy empowers nurses to engage in advocacy and system-level decision-making. Existing studies underscore its importance but note insufficient curricular emphasis and assessment mechanisms (Morley & Cashell, 2017; Johnson & Smith, 2021; WHO, 2021).
Indian Context: Critical Analysis
Indian nursing education is undergoing reform; however, interdisciplinary integration is constrained by rigid curricula, resource limitations, and variable institutional capacity. While awareness among students is increasing, evidence suggests a gap between policy intent and practical implementation. Context-specific strategies, including faculty training and phased curriculum integration, are required.
Discussion
This review highlights the growing recognition of interdisciplinary interest as a cornerstone of contemporary nursing education. While global evidence supports its positive impact on competencies and readiness, significant gaps persist in methodological rigor and contextual adaptation. Strengths of the existing literature include thematic breadth and global relevance; limitations include limited critical appraisal, heterogeneity of study designs, and underrepresentation of low-resource settings.
Recommendations
To strengthen interdisciplinary nursing education, the following recommendations are proposed:
Related to Policy National regulatory bodies should develop explicit guidelines for interdisciplinary curriculum integration.
Related to Practice Institutions should invest in faculty development and infrastructure to support emerging domains.
Related to Research Future studies should employ rigorous designs, quality appraisal frameworks, and context-specific evaluations, particularly within India.
Conclusion
Interdisciplinary education is essential for preparing nurses to function effectively in complex, technology-driven healthcare systems.
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