OUTCOME EVALUATION OF A BACHELOR DEGREE NURSING PROGRAMME IN SAUDI ARABIA

Comprehensive programme evaluation includes investigations to determine whether the intended programme outcomes have been achieved. Results are useful to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the programme and to serve as a basis for evidence-based decisions during curriculum review to initiate change. This descriptive-comparative study investigated the degree to which the Bachelor of Nursing programme under consideration succeeded in achieving the required outcomes as stated in the Saudi Arabian National Qualifications framework. Data collection elicited the perceptions of graduate interns and their preceptors on the competencies and qualities which they had acquired as a result of their training. The quantitative results indicated that the required standards were met with regard to outcome achievement, but that the interns overestimated the extent to which they displayed the relevant qualities and competencies during clinical practice. The qualitative data pointed to specific areas which could be addressed during curriculum review. It is recommended that the curriculum can be strengthened to by placing more emphasis on the identified problem areas to ensure that graduates meet the needs of employing health services in particular and the Saudi population in general.