Developing and Evaluation Plan - Essay Example

Developing an Evaluation Plan and Disseminating Evidence Developing an Evaluation Plan and Disseminating Evidence Introduction Nurses are facing so many challenges in the world today. The health sector has been sidelined as the concerned stakeholders focus on other sectors of the economy. Nursing as a profession calls for absolute commitment as it involves dealing with patients. It is a noble profession which is very important as it deals with the health of the people. Some of the challenges that face nurses include; shortage of the employed nurses, heavy workloads, weak management and poor workforce planning to mention just but a few.

There are a number of solutions that have been put forward by different governing bodies and scholars. These solutions include; employing skilled nurses, establishing a self-sustaining, solution-focused by the community of practice for nurse educators, employing the use of a checklist and proper management. After a thorough investigation was conducted on the problems facing this profession, the above solutions were put forward and implemented so as to bring the desired change. After a period of three months , the patient safety and overall nurses efficiency are expected to improve significantly after the implementation of the proposed solutions.

Methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions Focused group is used to get in-depth data on a specific information. The groups generate perceptions that would not be found in the interviews. The evaluator groups the respondents, in our case the nurses, in different groups where he or she asks questions about the effective the proposed solution is. Conducting interviews is another method that is used. Even though they are considered to be time-consuming and expensive, they usually give the richest information.

Structured interviews are conducted on the nurses and preceptors in the health facilities on the effectiveness of the solutions proposed. Observations and surveying are other methods that can be applied here. In observation, the evaluator can understand the situation better and identify outcomes that may be anticipated. Obtaining the turnover rates before and after initiating the proposed solutions is another method that can be used. Comparing accidents and unnecessary errors before and after the solutions can also be used (Cohen,2005).

Variables The variables to be investigated are both the dependent and independent variables. In this study the variables include; rate of nursing staff turnover, the rate of unnecessary errors and accidents, poor management and overall turnover, shortage of nurses and patient. Dependent variables are those situations that occur as a result of the independent variables( Green,2006). Staff attitudes and perceptions and patient attitudes and perceptions will also be looked at when evaluating the plan.

Tools used to educate project participants Audio and video tapes should be provided so as to educate the project participants on what is required of them during the whole evaluation process. They should be shown what they should do and not do during the whole process. Focus groups should also be used. Participants will be grouped and the relevant information given to them as this saves time and is also cheaper compared to other methods. Surveys should also be conducted to identify how well the participants understand the process.

Participant's participation is also a very effective way. Participants are allowed to participate in the project evaluation process . Walking around the study area and learning first hand is an effective way which will help the participants familiarize with the study environment. Distribution of educational journals or pamphlets is also another effective way of educating the participants. Holding meetings with evaluators, project managers and other stakeholders also creates a good platform to inform the participants of what is expected of them.

Assessment tools to evaluate project outcomes. The expected outcomes have to be evaluated. Tests are done to observe the change that has resulted from the implementation of the proposed solutions. Tests show the viability of the solutions put forward and the significance of the outcomes. Outcomes are what results after the solutions are implemented in the program (Green,2006). Another tool that can be used is direct observation. Outcomes will be clearly visible. Conducting a survey will also help assess the outcome of the project.

The evaluator must ensure that the outcomes are as expected. If they meet the expectations of the stakeholders and the effect they have on the staff, participants and the community at large. It is therefore very important to evaluate the outcomes so as to know the viability of the whole project (Diamond,1999). Strategies for disseminating project results to key stakeholders Stakeholders are organizations, groups or individuals that have something to lose or gain from the project. This means that their interests should be considered during the evaluation process of the program.

The strategies that can be used in the dissemination of the results depends on a number of factors the main one being the nature of the project and the targeted stakeholders. One strategy is distributing flyers, research briefs and brochures in the health center. Distribution of summary documents and hosting community forums aimed at discussing the research are effective ways of disseminating the findings. Sending letter of thanks to the targeted stakeholder is also very useful. The funding agency should also receive the full report.

These findings should be disseminated in an attractive and concise manner. Key points should be highlighted in a logical manner and order. The findings that are compelling should be presented and must be useful in that the readers will know what to do with the presented information (Levin,2001). Strategy for disseminating significance of project outcomes to the greater nursing community The evaluation is normally conducted on a sample of the nurses and the results obtained generalized. The evaluator and project managers must come up with a way of making sure that the useful information obtained is implemented by the wider nursing community.

This means that the information must be spread out to assist in improving the welfare of the nurses in the wider community. One of the best strategy to use is hosting or attending to the seminars. This will teach the nurses and parties involved in how to apply the solutions that have brought about improvement. Asking agencies to feature the research project in newsletters and websites will reach a wider audience that is targeted. Participating in local health events is also an opportunity that can be seized to reach a wider audience.

Project managers should also appeal for articles in the local media sources. Ethics Respondents’ views and answers should always be confidential. The respondents should also not be forced to answer to the questions and should always do it out of their own free will. The respondents should also remain anonymous. References Cohen, E. L., & Cesta, T. G. (2005). Nursing case management: from essentials to advanced practice applications (4th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby. Worthen, B. R., & Sanders, J. R. (1987).

Educational evaluation: alternative approaches and practical guidelines. New York: Longman. Green, J., & South, J. (2006). Evaluation. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press. Gibbon, C. T., & Morris, L. L. (1987). How to design a program evaluation (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage Publications.