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Updated: Oct 6, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Critical decision points in designing outcomes evaluation plans
1Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
Abstract:
Designing an outcomes evaluation plan is a complex, multifaceted process. Eight key decision points have been identified and are reviewed in this article. These key decision points include (1) making a decision about the question(s) of interest, (2) selecting an organizing framework, (3) designing the operational plan for the work environment, (4) determining the relevant information to collect, (5) selecting the measures and forms for data collection, (6) determining the sample to be studied, (7) preparing staff for implementation, and (8) conducting a pilot study. Careful decision making at each of these steps enhances the opportunity for successfully designing and implementing an outcomes evaluation plan.
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