An Outcomes Model Prototype: Integrating Continuing Education Learning Into Practice

BACKGROUND: A method for measuring the downstream effects of a continuing education conference on nursing practice was developed and tested. METHOD: In collaboration with conference faculty, the authors developed an assessment of knowledge and nursing experience related to the course content. Knowledge about the conference content was measured before the conference and at its conclusion. Experience was measured before the conference and 3 months after. RESULTS: Increases were found in both knowledge and experience, indicating that knowledge gained at the conference was integrated into nursing practice. CONCLUSION: Based on positive findings from this pilot, the method will be tested further.