This paper argues that formative evaluation is the most appropriate method for assessing and improving in-hospital nursing curricula. Drawing on Keating's curriculum development framework, the paper outlines a three-part evaluation plan built around benchmarks, regular research audits, and alignment with the hospital's master plan. It also addresses accreditation sources — including technology companies and the National League for Nursing — and explains how ongoing data collection can be used to correct curriculum weaknesses and keep content current with evolving medical technology. The discussion emphasizes that continuous, targeted evaluation protects both nurse competency and patient care quality.
Evaluation is at the core of designing an appropriate, useful, and up-to-date curriculum. This is especially important in the area of nursing, where medical knowledge and technology are constantly changing. Without an appropriate evaluation method, a curriculum can become outdated — or worse, inapplicable — resulting in poor quality of medical care from its participants. For this reason, the following evaluation framework should be utilized.
The best method of evaluation for an in-hospital nursing curriculum is formative evaluation. This method is optimal because it provides information not only about the curriculum's success, but also forecasts any weaknesses within it. As stated in Keating's text, formative evaluation is intended as a basis for improvement (p. 314). In other words, using this method allows updates to individual parts of the curriculum when necessary, saving the hospital time and money that would otherwise be spent recreating the entire curriculum once it becomes outdated.
For instance, should a new needle or protocol be released in the area of Ultrasound Peripheral IV procedures, a hospital using formative evaluation after each training session would identify the areas where the curriculum is lacking and make the targeted adjustments necessary to keep it current and useful.
The primary key element of this evaluation plan would be benchmarks. Benchmarking is critical because it ensures that the evaluation is specific to the various components of the curriculum. Data would be collected through a qualifying exam administered at the end of the course as well as a three-month follow-up exam completed by the nurses (Davis & Harden, 2003).
The second key element would be regular research evaluation, ideally conducted annually. The purpose is to update any outdated components of the curriculum and keep its content cutting edge. This process would involve two components: a survey completed by nurses during the course, which solicits input as to whether anything in the curriculum seems outdated, and an annual audit and fact-check of all curriculum content.
The third key element would be verifying how the curriculum aligns with the hospital's master plan. Should the hospital change its overall strategies, those changes should be reflected in the curriculum. Otherwise, the curriculum risks becoming irrelevant and falling out of use. The National League for Nursing provides accreditation standards that can help guide this alignment process.
"Technology companies and NLN ensure curriculum credibility"
"Data drives ongoing curriculum corrections and currency"
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