Employing Kirkpatrick's framework to evaluate nurse training: an integrative review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Training Evaluation

Background:

• Donald Kirkpatrick's framework is widely used for nursing training evaluation.
• The framework emphasizes selecting appropriate measurement instruments for each evaluation level.
• The four-level model (reaction, learning, behavior, results) or its three-level variation is commonly applied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the evidence supporting the use of Donald Kirkpatrick's framework in nursing training.
• To synthesize findings on the application and effectiveness of Kirkpatrick's model in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• An integrative literature review was conducted.
• Searches were performed in Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases.
• Studies published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish were included.

Main Results:

• Thirteen studies were included out of 108 retrieved.
• Most studies evaluated all four Kirkpatrick levels or at least the first three.
• Quantitative methods were prevalent for reaction and learning levels, while qualitative methods were used for behavior and results.
• The results highlight the model's flexibility and the critical importance of selecting reliable instruments.

Conclusions:

• Donald Kirkpatrick's model is suitable for nursing training evaluation globally.
• Effective application of the framework depends on the judicious selection of instruments for each evaluation level.
• Evaluating the results level in organizational practices presents the most significant challenge.