Evaluating the project is an essential step in the process (Asosheh, Nalchigar, & Jamporazmey, 2010). This project follows an evidence-based approach. This means that the project success is measured by evaluation of various variables. The proposed solution to the problem is rated depending on the outcome of the project. The project involves training nurses on efficient use of technology in a clinical environment. Evaluation is carried out before and after project implementation (Padhy & Sahu, 2011). This provides a baseline and results for analysis. The aftermath of the project is compared to the situation as observed before implementation. For instance, an evaluation of the current condition is undertaken before nurses start training. Another evaluation is undertaken after training is over. This two evaluations help the group leader analyze the effect of the project on the participants.
Methods of Evaluation
Project evaluation will take three methods. The first method is a survey of technology use by nurses before and after the project implementation. This survey is meant to come up with a quantifiable range that indicates improvement or recline in technology use to carry out nursing functions. This aspect is appropriate for measuring success of the project and determining an overall improvement. This method will not provide an in-depth project evaluation (Fineout-Overholt & Johnston, 2007 ).
The second method of evaluation will involve obtaining staff attitudes and perceptions towards technology use in the clinical environment. This evaluation will be undertaken prior and after implementation. This method evaluates the change in attitude towards technology. Literature review indicates that perception of technology affects how nurses use it to provide patient care. This is a valuable approach. The information collected through this method is qualitative. An analysis indicates whether the project was the right way to improve technology use, and what changes should be made to the project.
The third method is comparison of quality of patient care before and after implementation of the project. The overall purpose of this project is to improve patient care. This evaluation is broad. Nurses are in different categories and carry out different functions. For instance, nurses involved in medication dissemination will be evaluated based on the change in medication factors such as maladministration, accountability, and loss of doses. Quality of patient care measures the in-depth effect of the project. This evaluation determines whether the project was successful or not, and what limitations the project has.
Variables of Evaluation
The first variable of evaluation is technology use within the clinical environment. Practice improves nurses’ knowledge base. Technology use measures the utilization of available technology in patient care. The second variable is nurse attitudes and perceptions. This variable measures nurses’ enthusiasm and willingness to use technology to meet their requirements. The final variable is quality of patient care. This variable indicates the level of patient care.
Project Evaluation Tools
The project will take six months to implement. Evaluation will run concurrent to training. This ensures that information is obtained immediately before and after training. Project participants will be subjected to a structured interview before they commence training. Interviews are appropriate for this function since the participant has less room for biases or exaggeration (Cao & Hoffman, 2011). A comprehensive questionnaire will be administered after the project is undertaken. The questionnaire will cover the three variables of evaluation. Other materials of evaluation will include patient care records such as medication administration and number of patients served. These records will assist in comparing results and determining which improvements are due to the training program.
References
Asosheh, A., Nalchigar, S., & Jamporazmey, M. (2010). Information technology project evaluation: An integrated data envelopment analysis and balanced scorecard approach. Expert Systems with Applications, 37(8), 5931-5938.
Cao, Q., & Hoffman, J. J. (2011). A case study approach for developing a project performance evaluation system. International Journal of Project Management, 29(2), 155-164.
Fineout-Overholt, E., & Johnston, L. (2007 ). Evaluation: An Essential Step to the EBP Process. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing. First Quarter, 2007, 55, 54-60.
Padhy, R. K., & Sahu, S. (2011). A real option based Six Sigma project evaluation and selection model. International Journal of Project Management, 29(8), 1091-1102.
