What is a key characteristic of formative evaluation in healthcare training?

Formative evaluation in healthcare training is characterized by its focus on providing constructive feedback aimed at improving competence. This type of evaluation is designed to be an ongoing process that happens during the training, allowing both the learners and instructors to identify areas for improvement while the education is still in progress. The goal is to enhance learning outcomes by targeting specific skills and knowledge gaps as they arise, rather than simply judging the final product of training.

In contrast to other types of evaluation, formative evaluation does not provide a single score at the end, nor is it typically associated with high-stakes assessments. Instead, it emphasizes regular feedback cycles and encourages active engagement from both the instructor and learners. While formative evaluation can provide insights into teaching methods, its primary focus remains on the learner's improvement rather than assessing instructional effectiveness alone.