What strategies can you use to evaluate interprofessional education and training for case managers?

1 Define your goals and objectives

Before you start any evaluation, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. What are the specific learning outcomes and competencies that you expect from IPE? How do they align with your professional standards and organizational goals? How will you assess the level of achievement and satisfaction of the participants? How will you collect and analyze the data? These are some of the questions that you should answer to define your goals and objectives for IPE evaluation.

2 Choose an appropriate framework and method

There are different frameworks and methods that you can use to evaluate IPE, depending on your purpose, context, and resources. For example, you can use the Kirkpatrick model, which has four levels of evaluation: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. You can also use the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS), which is a validated tool that measures the self-reported change in interprofessional competencies after IPE. You can also use qualitative methods, such as interviews, focus groups, or observations, to capture the experiences and perceptions of the participants and stakeholders.

3 Involve the relevant stakeholders

Evaluating IPE is not a solo activity. You need to involve the relevant stakeholders, such as the learners, educators, managers, clients, and partners, in the planning, implementation, and dissemination of the evaluation. By engaging the stakeholders, you can ensure that the evaluation is relevant, credible, and useful for them. You can also get their feedback and input on how to improve the IPE program and practice. You can use various strategies, such as surveys, workshops, or advisory groups, to involve the stakeholders in the evaluation process.

4 Use multiple sources and types of data

To get a comprehensive and balanced picture of the IPE program and its impact, you need to use multiple sources and types of data. You can use quantitative data, such as test scores, ratings, or statistics, to measure the changes in knowledge, skills, or outcomes. You can use qualitative data, such as narratives, stories, or quotes, to explore the meanings, values, or opinions of the participants. You can also use mixed methods, which combine both quantitative and qualitative data, to integrate and triangulate the findings.

5 Communicate and apply the findings

The final step of evaluating IPE is to communicate and apply the findings. You need to share the results and recommendations with the stakeholders and the wider audience, such as your peers, managers, or funders. You can use different formats and channels, such as reports, presentations, or publications, to disseminate the findings. You also need to use the findings to inform and improve your IPE program and practice. You can use the findings to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or challenges of the IPE program and to plan for future actions and improvements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?