Evaluation

Congratulations!  You’ve designed and delivered your simulation event, but your work isn’t done yet.

The last step is conducting an evaluation, a key component in the delivery of any educational experience.

The aim of an evaluation is to collect and analyse information to improve how training is delivered and managed.

Planning is the foundation of a good evaluation because it determines

• what objectives a training event intends to achieve,
• how these objectives will be accomplished, and
• provides ways to measure their success.

When conducting your evaluation, consider:

• Does the content or method of delivery suit the learning outcome?
• Do the learning outcomes need review?
• Does the target audience need to be refined?
• Is the evaluation a part of the design and plan of the simulation process?
• Is the evaluation being performed appropriately with the correct tool?
• Does the assessment method reflect the learning achieved by participants?
• Do the resources contribute to the cost effectiveness of the simulation process?
• Is research a priority in your simulation programs?
  

All feedback, whether it’s from an evaluation form or an informal discussion with participants, should be documented so that it can be evaluated in both the short and long term life of the course.

For more information on evaluations, there are plenty of resources online to guide you through the process.  Start with taking a look at Kirkpatrick’s model for steps on how to conduct a complete evaluation of the effectiveness of your training. 

And that brings us to the end of the module. 

The next few pages guide you through some resources we have put together to help you gather the right information to analyse the outcomes of your training and identify how to implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance your training delivery.

Remember, you as a simulation educator have such an important role in delivering education to our health care professionals. 

Instructional design is a powerful concept for enhancing the training you deliver within your simulation networks. 

By incorporating these tools and strategies in planning, validating, evaluating and enhancing the programs you deliver, you will be able to demonstrate how your training achieves results for participants, and ultimately improves patient care, and the health and wellbeing of your community.