Updating Nurse Graduate Knowledge – Internal Εvaluation Process of the “Evidence Based Practice in Nursing” Continuing Educational Programme

The evaluation of continuing educational programs is essential, since through evaluation processes, the positive aspects of education are highlighted and qualitative educational procedures are established. Aim: The aim of the present article was to describe the internal evaluation process and the related outcomes of the “Evidence Based Practice in Nursing” Continuing Educational Programme, which implemented at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, TEI of Athens and Alexandreio Technological Educational Institute (ATEI) of Thessaloniki during the academic year 2014-2015. Methodology: The methodology followed for the internal evaluation of the Program included a stakeholders’ network development and data collection from key partners of the Program. Qualitative research approaches were used for data collection, such as document analysis, reflection and observation. Results: Internal evaluation highlighted the positive aspects of the Programme, such as empowerment of collaboration among educational institutions and health care organizations, professional and scientific development of nurses, implementation of new practices in the clinical settings, reinforcement of research activities in nursing, importance of continuing education and improved nursing care. Conclusions: The opportunities of withholding and extending the Programme’s positive aspects and for continuing similar educational activities associated with further administrative support and availability of resources

Keywords: Programme evaluation process, formative evaluation, evidence-based nursing, continuing education, lifelong learning