Using the evaluation of the Dalhousie Outpost Nursing Program for responsive social action

The Dalhousie Outpost Nursing Program is designed specifically to prepare registered nurses to provide primary health care in northern Canadian Aboriginal communities where there are no resident physicians. In 1993, the program was extensively evaluated, using a responsive participatory approach that is consistent with the direction of health care in Canada. The evaluation documented the effectiveness of the program and permitted diverse views to be expressed. Most importantly, the evaluation enabled the voice of Aboriginal people living in northern communities to be heard. Dalhousie School of Nursing has used the evaluation results to provide some direction for program planning in the context of Canadian health reform.