An attempt to estimate educational value-added as a measurement of effectiveness in nursing training — a preliminary one-centre study

Introduction. One of the measurement applied in estimating the effectiveness of teaching, is estimating educational value-added (EVA), defined as an increase in knowledge in students as a result of an educational process.

Aim. To create and preliminary evaluate a prediction model that could be applied in EVA.

Material and methods. Learning outcomes throughout the course of study at the nursing department at the Medical University of Warsaw (MUW): a collection of students data (n = 1539) and test data (n = 139); age average 19,6±2,40 years of age; 90% women. The model of linear multiple regression with seven predictors: exam grades achieved by students in the basic areas and the basics of specialized care; the quality of prognosis: r-Pearson correlation coefficient; EAV evaluation on the basis of an average difference between the forecasted and actual outcome.

Results. The model of multiple regression was statistically relevant (F [7.1526] = 346.72; p < 0.0001), and individual predictors explained over 60% of variances of the result variable in total. Learning outcomes in the subjects of Pharmacology and Basic care had the highest impact on students’ achievements in the field of specialized care (b_stand. was 0.326 and 0.325, respectively). Only marks in the subjects of Physiology did not present any statistically important influence on the value of average grades. The result received in the course of correlation analysis shows good prediction parametres of the tested model of regression (r-Pearson correlation 0.772). EVA as a mean of differences between the expected results and those obtained in the prediction model was –0.038.

Conclusions. 1. The suggested model of regression may become the basis of EVA estimation at the nursing department at MUW. 2. The suggested methodology of creating and validating a prediction model may be applied at other universities teaching nursing students at the 1st degree studies.