What should we assess in practice?
OBJECTIVE
This article reports on a PhD study and follow up work undertaken to review and develop a tool for assessment of practice.


BACKGROUND
The assessment of practice in nursing and midwifery education and, other health professions has been the source of concern, criticism and research for a number of years with the conclusion that it might not be possible to develop an assessment tool that could encompass all aspects of professional practice.


METHODS
A qualitative evaluation study was undertaken using the naturalistic method of inquiry. A combination of tools was used in order to collect the data and enable progressive focusing and cross checking of the findings. These included documentary analysis, a questionnaire and focus group and individual interviews. The data was collected from documents analysis, focus group interviews, individual interviews and questionnaires.


RESULTS
The results showed that the assessment tool in use at the time did not encompass all criteria assessors used and six areas were identified as those to include in any future tool.


CONCLUSIONS
The six areas identified by subjects as those to include in any assessment tool were further developed with specific statements so that they could be used within a tool. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION: Within the changing nature of health care there is a need to review whether the tool used for assessing pre-registration education of nursing and midwifery students practice is 'fit for purpose'.
Parker
Pam
P
Learning Development Centre, City University London, AG24 College Building, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK. P.M.Parker@city.ac.uk
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom