Mixed-Methods Analysis of Evaluations From In-Person and Remote Nursing Symposium Participants

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Professional Development
• Medical Education

Background:

• Healthcare organizations conduct symposia to disseminate nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Planning multisite symposia involves significant resources and logistical complexities.
• Evaluating participant experiences at these events is crucial for optimizing future offerings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from onsite and remote participants at a multisite nursing symposium.
• To provide insights for nursing professional development practitioners regarding the effectiveness of virtual and in-person symposium components.
• To inform the strategic planning and resource allocation for future healthcare professional development events.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed to analyze evaluation data.
• Quantitative data from surveys and qualitative data from open-ended feedback were collected from both onsite and remote participants.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare evaluation results across participant groups and methodologies.

Main Results:

• Analysis revealed correlations between quantitative satisfaction scores and qualitative feedback themes for both onsite and remote participants.
• Specific differences in perceived value and engagement were identified between onsite and remote attendees.
• The study demonstrated the feasibility and utility of mixed-methods evaluation for multisite symposia.

Conclusions:

• Mixed-methods evaluation effectively captures diverse participant experiences in multisite nursing symposia.
• Understanding the nuances of onsite versus remote participant feedback is essential for enhancing professional development events.
• Findings offer practical guidance for optimizing the design and delivery of future nursing symposia to maximize impact and engagement.