Since its launch in January 2014, the measurement instruments collection has been one of the most viewed resources on the National Center website. While interest and use of the measurement tools has grown, so have questions about how to accurately measure the effectiveness of interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP).

To provide guidance on measurement and evaluation, the National Center recently published “Evaluating Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice:  What Should I Consider When Selecting a Measurement Tool?” Written by Drs. Connie Schmitz and Michael Cullen, University of Minnesota experts in assessment and evaluation, the paper serves as a primer on best practices for IPECP tool selection and use.

While the primer doesn’t make recommendations on specific tools or tell individuals what to measure, it does guide readers on what to look for when selecting a tool, the importance of defining purpose and how to assess a tool’s evidence of validity in their own situation.  Those new to the field will find it provides a solid foundation for understanding the ins and outs of measurement.

 “Almost weekly I’m asked for recommendations on how best to measure the effectiveness of IPECP,” said Barbara Brandt, director, National Center. “While there’s no easy answer to this question, providing resources, like this primer, is one way to expand the knowledge of our colleagues and support their individual efforts to collect valid, reliable data.”

Expanding resources

The Schmitz/Cullen primer serves as a companion piece to the National Center’s growing list of measurement instruments, a selected collection of existing IPECP tools and related literature that met specific criteria related to content, use, adaptability and availability, among others.  Available in the Resource Exchange, individuals can sort the measurement instruments by purpose, outcome, subject, author and subscale, making it easier to find and select a tool to meet his or her specific needs.

“Evaluating” is also the first in a series of self-published, peer-reviewed monographs commissioned by the National Center.  Subsequent publications will further educate the IPECP community about evaluation and assessment and will undergo a similar review process with content experts representing different professions and areas of expertise.

Over the next several months, the National Center will make available a series of supplemental resources related to evaluation and assessment, including webinars, guides and other published works. Visit the event calendar for the latest information on upcoming activities, and browse all of the National Center’s published works – with topics ranging from IPE implementation to national trends – in this special collection.