The Kirkpatrick model: a useful tool for evaluating training outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Services employing staff to support people with disability usually provide training in a range of areas including communication and managing challenging behaviour. Given that such training can be costly and time-consuming, it is important to evaluate the evidence presented in support of such programs. Efficacy in clinical practice is measured using evidence-based practice. However, there is currently no model that is widely used to compare and evaluate training programs despite the large number of training programs reported each year. METHOD: Six studies published in the last decade that reported the outcomes of communication-based training and six that reported on the outcomes of challenging behaviour training were evaluated using the 4-level Kirkpatrick model. RESULTS: Comparison of the levels of evidence is made for these 12 studies. CONCLUSION: The Kirkpatrick model provides one technique for appraisal of the evidence for any reported training program and could be used to evaluate whether a training program is likely to meet the needs and requirements of both the organisation implementing the training and the staff who will participate.