Using fourth-generation evaluation in nursing.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Program Evaluation
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Evaluation in nursing has historically used positivistic and post-positivistic models.
• Traditional scientific and medical paradigms may not fully align with the nursing paradigm.
• A need exists for evaluation models that are more congruent with nursing's core values and principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel model for nursing evaluation.
• To present a model that is more consistent with the nursing paradigm.
• To apply the fourth-generation evaluation approach to nursing evaluation.

Main Methods:

• The study describes a new model of nursing evaluation.
• It frames responsive nursing evaluation within naturalistic or constructivist inquiry.
• It specifically applies the fourth-generation evaluation approach (Guba and Lincoln, 1989) to nursing.

Main Results:

• Responsive nursing evaluation informs and empowers stakeholders.
• This model is more consistent with a nursing paradigm than traditional scientific paradigms.
• The fourth-generation evaluation approach aligns well with a constructivist stance in nursing.

Conclusions:

• Responsive nursing evaluation offers a valuable framework for nursing practice.
• This approach enhances the relevance and applicability of evaluation within nursing.
• Fourth-generation evaluation provides a robust methodology for nursing inquiry.