Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
An assessment of the educational needs of dental trainers, based on an outcome-based curriculum
Alexander J Stewart1, Janet Clarkson
1Dental Health Services Research Unit, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, University of Dundee.
Objective:
To develop a curriculum for dental trainers and use it as a basis for an assessment of their learning needs.
Methods:
A selected group of dental trainers in Scotland using a nominal group technique produced a list of learning outcomes for trainers. Outcomes were categorised as essential for all trainers, desirable for intermediate trainer development or optional for experienced trainers. The format of an outcome-based curriculum for medical teachers was adopted and a draft dental version produced, 'The effective dental trainer". This was finalised after further consultation and used to devise a needs assessment questionnaire which was sent to all Scottish dental trainers.
Results:
The response rate was 100%. The list of learning outcomes considered to be essential was extensive and most trainers reported high levels of confidence and ability in core outcomes. Few statistically significant differences between the responses given by new, intermediate and experienced trainers were found.
Conclusions:
The limitations of self-reported learning needs in response to a questionnaire are highlighted by the small number of differences in confidence and ability reported by trainers with varied experience. A more meaningful assessment of learning needs could come from educational appraisal of all trainers, which is currently taking place.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning, patient...
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Nursing Evaluation
Section...
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...

