The Pyramid Model: an integrated approach for evaluating continuing education programs and outcomes

Recent mergers and downsizing of health care agencies have made resources for continuing education (CE) increasingly scarce. Nurse educators must demonstrate the effectiveness and sustainability of CE programs and establish the link between nursing professionalism and positive patient outcomes. The Pyramid Evaluation Model expands and enhances previous evaluation frameworks. Simple steps are outlined to evaluate CE programs and outcomes systematically and comprehensively through an impact model that examines goals, reviews program design, monitors program implementation, assesses outcomes and impact, and analyzes efficiency.