Keywords

Concept-Based Curriculum, Continuous Quality Improvement, Curriculum Evaluation, PDSA Cycle, Nursing Education

 

Authors

  1. Laverentz, Delois Meyer
  2. Kumm, Sharon

Abstract

Abstract: As concept-based nursing education gains popularity, there is little literature on how to sustain quality after initiation of the curriculum. Critical appraisal of concepts in a university program revealed varying definitions, attributes, and exemplars resulting in student confusion. The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle for continuous quality improvement was used for concept evaluation. The goals of the evaluation project were: 1) to develop common definition and attributes for concepts and 2) to develop horizontal and vertical leveling of exemplars to build on prior student learning. The continuous quality improvement process can be used to prevent "concept creep" and ensure internal consistency of concept definitions, attributes, and exemplars.