Evaluation of a Training Program on Adult Critical Care Nursing

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate a training program on adult critical care nursing organized by the nursing department, Buddhachinaraj hospital in Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Four areas of the program were assessed which included context, input, process, and output. Data were collected by interviewing 392 instructors/facilitators, trainees, graduates, supervisors, colleagues, patients and 3 experts; and analyzed by descriptive statistics. It was found that (1) the program’s objectives were corresponded to society’s needs; (2) the capabilities of instructors/facilitators and readiness of learning facilities were at high level, (3) the appropriateness of learning activities and coordination were at high level, and (4) the trainees’ knowledge and skills were at high level, resulting in high level satisfaction of practices among patients and their families. The study identified additional topics to be included in the training program: nursing care for late stage patients, nursing care for families in critical situations, and the roles of nurses in assessment and clinical decision, as well as strategies for information searching. Moreover, in order to reduce stress of trainees, schedules of training program should not be set on weekend and it should be flexible.