Evaluation of a Workshop on Social Determinants of Health based on Kirkpatrrick Model

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluation provides truly useful information about the effectiveness of the educational programs. Kirkpatrick model provides a four-level training evaluation framework (reaction, learning, behavior, and results). The present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a workshop on “social determinants of health” held for the health staff of a medical center in Bandar Abbas Province, in the South of Iran.

Methods: In the present research, a training workshop was held on social determinants of health for 40 staff of a medical center. Later, this workshop was evaluated based on the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model and a researcher-constructed questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data in SPSS-19.

Results: The participants' mean scores of satisfaction (reaction), learning, and behavior were 41.47±4.34, 14.9±1.93, and 10.72±3.8, respectively. The overall effectiveness (reaction, learning and behavior) was evaluated as optimal. The most effective items in reaction, learning, and behavior levels were awareness-raising, better performance of tasks at work, and use of the acquired content in monitoring work, respectively.

Conclusion: Staff training to provide them with job-related practical knowledge not only satisfies them, but also improves their professional learning and performance. Kirkpatrick training evaluation model needs to be applied to other staff training programs at four levels of reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Those who develop and implement training courses need to be acquainted with these constructs.