Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Using Goal Achievement as an Outcome Measure Following a Gero-Oncology Educational Program for Oncology Nurses: The
Denice Economou1, Peggy S Burhenn1, Carolina Uranga1
1City of Hope National Medical Center.
Purpose:
This article describes the qualitative analysis of goal achievement by oncology nurses who attended a gero-oncology course.
Participants & Setting:
Four annual programs were completed and included 140 teams of oncology nurses from cancer settings across the United States.
Methodologic Approach:
Self-determination theory and achievement goal theory provided the conceptual framework for understanding what motivates people to achieve goals and how goals can measure outcomes. SMART goals were used to measure outcomes and barriers.
Findings:
Goal achievement at 18 months showed that 70% of developed goals were in process or completed. The top three goal categories were professional education, structure/team building, and resource development. Top barriers included time constraints and staffing shortages.
Implications For Nursing:
Encouraging oncology nurses to set specific goals while attending an educational program supports successful integration of new knowledge in their practice setting.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Guidelines 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...
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
01:15Nursing Evaluation
01:20Nursing 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,...
01:24Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.