OBSEVATION CHECKLIST
The observation checklist is the most commonly used in instruments for performanceevaluation.
A checklist enables the observer to note only whether a trait is present or not.It consists of a
listing of steps activities or behaviors the observer records when anincident occurs. The observer
has to judge whether a certain behavior has taken place.Check list is basically a method of
recording whether a particularly characteristics is present or not or whether an action had been
taken or not. This provides a simple ‘yes orno’ judgment. In nursing, checklist is an important
assessment tool used evaluating the performance skills.
DEFINITION
A checklist is a simple instrument consisting prepared list of expected items of performance or
attribute, which are checked by an evaluated for their presence.OrChecklists are constructed by
breaking of a performance and the quality of a product,which specifies the presence or absence
of an attribute of an attribute or trait which isthen checked by the rate/observer.OrA checklist
consist of a listing of steps, activities or behavior which the observer recordswhen an incident
occurs.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHECKLIST
Observe one respondent at one time.
Clearly specifies the characteristics of the behavior to be observed.
Use only carefully prepared checklist to avoid more complex traits.
The observer should be trained how to observe, what to observe and how torecord the
observed behavior.
Use checklist only when you are interested in calculating a particularcharacteristic
TYPE
Checklists can be divided into two types:
1.read and verify, and
2. read and do.
Read and verify
checklists are used for normal procedures. Normal proceduremeans anything that is done
consistently and repeatedly on a routine basis, mostoften from memory.
Read and do
checklists are used in situations that are more critical, such asrapidly changing scenarios, critical
events, abnormalities, and emergencies.
SUGGESTION TO FOLLOW WHILE USING CHECKLIST-
Checklist should relate directly to learning objectives.
Use checklist only when you are interested in ascertaining whether a particular trait or
characteristic is present or absent.
Have a separate checklist for each student.
The observer must be trained how to observe, what to observe and how torecord the
observed behavior.
Student should be evaluated in the natural setting or closely as possible toreal situation.
Completed checklist should be given to each student discuss the strengthand weakness of
the performance and formulate the plan to importance performance.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CHECKLIST
While constructing or preparing checklist, the following point should be kept in mind,
Express each item in clear, simple language.
An intensive survey of literature should be made to determine the type of check list to be
used in a particular assessment/ evaluation.
The list of items in the items in the check list may be continuous or divided into group of
related items.
These lists of the items are formulated on the basis of the judgment of expert sand each
item is evaluated with respect to the number of favorable and unfavorable responses.
Avoid negative statements whenever possible.
Avoid lifting statements verbatim from the text.
Ensure that each item has a clear response: yes or no, or true or false.
Review the items independently.
Checklist must have the quality of completeness and comprehensiveness.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHECKLIST-
There are a series of sequential steps involved in the development of checklist as described
below:
1. Identify each set of the specific actions desired in the performance.
2. Add to the list those actions that represent common errors.
3. Arrange the desired actions in the order of occurrence.
4. Provide a simple procedure for checklist each action as it occurs.
ADVANTAGES OF CHECKLIST
1. It is a highly objective, structured, reliable, and valid tool of assessment.
2. Checklist is adaptable to most subject areas.
3. It is easy to construct.
4. Students can be directly observed in a uniform manner using the checklist.
5. Checklist provides inter individual comparison on a common set of traits
orcharacteristics.
DISADVANTAGES OF CHECKLIST
1. Checklists do not indicate quality of performance so the usefulness ofchecklists is
limited.
2. Only a limited component of overall clinical performance so the usefulnessof checklists
is limited.
3. Only the presence or absence of an attribute , behavior or performance parameter may be
assessed. However, the degree of accuracy of performance can be assessed.
4. It has limited use in qualitative observation.
5. Checklists are not easy to prepare.
LIMITATIONS OF CHECKLIST
1. It has limited application in assessing the performance of student. Therefore,other
methods should be used along with this.
2. It determines only the presence or the absence of an action.
3. It provides no means of determining the extent to which behavior is exhibited by the
student.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Sharma K. Suresh.,Sharma Reena,Communication and educationalTechnology,2nd
edition, Elsevier,India, pg no. 376-3772.
2. Quinn M. Francis,Hughes J. Suzzanne, Principles and practice of Nursing
Education ,5th edition, pg no 188-1973.
3. Venkatesan Letha,Joshi Poonam, Text book of Nursing education, 1st Elsevier, pg
no 436-4374.
4. Raj Bhaskara Elakkuvana D.,Bhaskara Nima,Text boo of NursingEducation,2nd
edition,EMMESS,Bangalore, pg no230.5.
5. http://www.hcpro.com/NRS-262158-975/Book-excerpt-Using-checklists-to-
improve-patient-safety.html
CHECK LIST
HOME CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH ICD(Implanted Cardioverter-Defibrillator).
SL AT THE COMPLITION OF THE HOME CARE INSTRUCTION, THE PATIENT CARE
N PATIENT OR CARE GIVER WILL BE ABLE TO: GIVER
O
1 AVOID INFECTION AT THE ICD INSERTION SITE
Observe incision site daily for redness, swelling, and heat.
Take temperature; report any increase.
Avoid tight restrictive clothing that may cause friction over
the insertion site.
2 ADHERE TO ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
Movement of arm may continue to be restricted until
incision heals if the ICD was implanted in pectoral region
Avoid heavy lifting.
Discuss safety of activities (eg: driving) with physician.
Avoid contact sports.
3 PROMOTE SAFETY
Describe what to do if symptoms occur and notify physician
If any discharges seem unusual.
Maintain a log that records discharges, record events that
precipitate the sensation of shock.
Encourage family members to attend a CPR class.
Call for emergency assistance if feeling of dizziness occurs.
Wear medical identification that includes physician
information.
Avoid frightening family or friends with unexpected shocks,
which will not harm them.
Discuss psychological responses to the ICD implantation,
changes in self image, depression due to loss of mobility
secondary to driving restrictions, fear of shocks, increased
anxiety, concerns that sexual activity may trigger the ICD,
and changes in partner relationship.
4 FOLLOW-UP CARE
Adhere to appointments that are scheduled to test
electronic performance of ICD. Remember to take log of
discharges to review with physician.
Attend an ICD support group within the area.
