Unit Nine

Completing the cycle – evaluation

Unit key benefits

Reading this unit will:

  • explain the value of performing an evaluation
  • explain who should be involved in any evaluation and what information should be used
  • describe the structure and process of an effective evaluation.

The importance of evaluation

Evaluation is essential to find out how well things are progressing. Evaluation could range from assessing the knowledge, skills and development of an individual to assessing how the practice team works together to deliver services to patients. If evaluation is not carried out, it will be impossible to know if new initiatives have proved useful or if there are other areas in which improvement could be made.

It is key that evaluation is incorporated into any plan to establish a health care assistant (HCA) post where the work of an HCA changes. Evaluation should be considered from all perspectives: the HCA, the GP or practice manager who employs the HCA, the PCT or NHS in general, the patient, and the provider of education and training to HCAs (Figure: Evaluation should include all interested groups). Keep your evaluation as simple as possible and avoid wasting resources on an unnecessarily bureaucratic type of evaluation.

Evaluation should include all interested groups

Evaluation should include all interested groups

The evaluation process

Below, the three simple steps in the evaluation process are explained.

The evaluation process

Each of the sections of this unit, Completing the cycle – evaluation, gives examples of how to carry out an evaluation from the various individual perspectives of HCAs themselves, practice employers, PCTs, patients and education providers.

Aspects of quality of an evaluation

Like all quality assurance processes, an evaluation should be:

  • efficient, effective and economical – taking account of the costs and effectiveness of what is being evaluated, as well as the evaluation process itself
  • valid – measuring what it is intended to measure
  • reliable – producing consistent and accurate findings
  • flexible and practical – ensuring that the evaluation is not burdensome
  • fair – not favouring any particular person or group, either directly or indirectly, and being inclusive
  • in proportion – analysing data relative to the specific issues being evaluated
  • accountable – linking into any internal or external reports that are part of the accountability structure for
    individuals in the practice or PCT
  • coordinated – aligning information with the practice or PCT development or review processes.

Summary

  • Undertaking an evaluation of the HCA’s role will tell us how well the role has worked, and what impact it is having on the practice and its patients.
  • A robust evaluation should include all those who are involved in the HCA’s role.
  • A good evaluation should be carefully designed and follow best practice, which is described in more detail in this unit. 

References

  1. Wood L. Review, Agree, Implement, Demonstrate. Leicester: National Clinical Governance Support Team; 2001.
  2. General Medical Council. Principles of Good Medical Education and Training. London: Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board and General Medical Council; 2005. http://www.pmetb.org.uk/media/pdf/t/r/Principles_of_Good_Medical_Education_and_Training.pdf.