The trainee is assigned the task of designing and conducting a management audit of a function or department. This teaches the trainee how to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness by comparing performance standards with actual performance. Evaluation of both the trainee and the training program is a major responsibility of the preceptor. Evaluation should be integrated and consistent, not simply accomplished only at the conclusion of training. Effective evaluations have several important characteristics.
Evaluation serves a primary purpose in providing information for making decisions about training.
Evaluations should be designed to support program improvement. Evaluations should be timely. Evaluations should take into account the overall objectives of the training. Evaluation must be incorporated into the design of the training and be an integral part of the total experience for both the preceptor or supervisor and trainee, although it is the primary responsibility of the preceptor or supervisor. Evaluations must be conducted in a mutually supportive climate as a collaborative effort between preceptor or supervisor and trainee.