title: Design and validation of instruments to measure knowledge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Measuring health care providers' learning after they have participated in educational interventions that use experimental designs requires valid, reliable, and practical instruments.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was conducted. In addition, experience gained from designing and validating instruments for measuring the effect of an educational intervention informed this process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The eight main steps for designing, validating, and testing the reliability of instruments for measuring learning outcomes are presented. The key considerations and rationale for this process are discussed. Methods for critiquing and adapting existent instruments and creating new ones are offered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study may help other investigators in developing valid, reliable, and practical instruments for measuring the outcomes of educational activities.
authors.affiliation: Division of Education and Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, MN 55805, USA.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Regal
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Renier
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States