SAWC Spotlight: The Value of Evaluations

  At the completion of each SAWC, one of the first orders of business for Symposium planners is to process attendee evaluation forms. Conference participants need to complete the general survey and online evaluation form for each session to be eligible for continuing education credits.   Once upon a time, attendees queued up at the Registration booth at the end of the conference and handed in their “evals” to receive documentation of participation. The system is now automated, all digital, and hopefully more efficient. Evaluation worksheets, included in the Syllabus book, allow attendees to record immediate reactions and thoughts; after sessions, attendees log onto www.myexpocredits.com/naccme, complete the “paperwork,” and print their certificates at their convenience.

  What may not be evident in the process is that evaluation forms not only provide proof of attendance, but they also offer insights into the knowledge and presentation skills of the speakers as well as specific observations regarding the goals of each session (ie, learning objectives), overall effectiveness of the activity (eg, will what you learned change your practice), and conference organization, procedures, and venue. Surveys are carefully read and analyzed and help determine session topics — what is well-covered and where there are gaps — and direct the future of the Symposium and, in turn, the future of wound education and care.

  In their desire to expedite the evaluation process, many if not most attendees select the “strongly agree” option almost exclusively with regard to survey questions. Although conference planners are confident in their subject and speaker choices, not every presenter or session deserves a perfect score. As evidenced by the Q&A following the presentation, many sessions, especially sessions that aim to explain new and/or controversial approaches, may raise as many questions as they address; hence, not all learning objectives are met (not necessarily a bad situation). Were you yawning more often than not during a session or checking your messages and email on your phone? Perhaps the speaker was less than engaging or you found the topic or level of speaker expertise wanting. Do you plan to use and/or share what you learned when you return to your facility? If not, you might have benefitted from an alternative explanation or a session more suited to your patients.

  Attendee opinions are important. The time and money invested in SAWC attendance demands an honest critique and subsequent dispassionate review of conference offerings. Please do not dash through the postconference survey; it is worthy of your time and consideration. The SAWC prides itself on being timely and responsive… thanks to our dedicated planners and vibrant participants.