Auburn University Publishes Quality Improvement Initiative on Integrated Clinical Evaluations content
Auburn University Publishes Quality Improvement Initiative on Integrated Clinical Evaluations
Collecting meaningful feedback from nursing students is essential for maintaining high-quality clinical education experiences. However, many nursing programs face a common challenge: low evaluation participation rates and time-consuming administrative processes.
A recently published quality improvement initiative from Auburn University College of Nursing demonstrates how integrating clinical evaluations into existing clinical education workflows can help address these challenges.
Published in Computers, Informatics, Nursing, the article, Embedding Evaluation in Credentialing Systems: A Nursing Education Quality Improvement Initiative, was authored by Abby Bell, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, RNC-OB, CBS, and colleagues Kelley Noll, PhD, RN, CNE, LCCE; Amy Pridemore, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C; and Claire Thompson, DNP, CRNP, WHNP-BC, AGNP-C.
Addressing a Common Challenge in Nursing Education
Like many nursing programs, Auburn University College of Nursing relied on traditional evaluation processes that required significant administrative effort and often resulted in limited student participation.
To improve both efficiency and feedback collection, the college integrated clinical site and instructor evaluations into its existing ACEMAPP workflow. Because students, faculty, and administrators were already using ACEMAPP for credentialing, compliance tracking, and clinical placement management, the institution saw an opportunity to centralize evaluation processes within the same platform.
The initiative sought to:
- Increase student evaluation participation
- Reduce administrative workload
- Gather more comprehensive feedback to improve clinical education experiences
Measurable Results
The initiative was associated with significant improvements in evaluation participation.
According to the published findings, average student evaluation response rates increased from 13.52% prior to implementation to 38.62% following implementation—a 25.1% increase in participation.
The authors also reported operational benefits, including:
- Automated evaluation distribution tied directly to clinical rotations
- Reduced administrative burden for faculty and staff
- Standardized reporting processes
- Improved access to actionable feedback from students
Using Feedback to Improve Clinical Experiences
Perhaps most importantly, the enhanced evaluation process provided Auburn University with more robust data to support continuous quality improvement efforts.
The authors describe how student feedback informed discussions with clinical partners and contributed to operational changes designed to improve learning opportunities. Examples included adjustments to clinical schedules and decisions related to future site utilization based on the quality of student experiences.
These findings reinforce the value of collecting timely, meaningful feedback and using it to strengthen clinical education environments.
A Collaborative Approach to Innovation
The publication highlights how educational institutions can leverage existing technology infrastructure to support both operational and educational goals.
The authors acknowledge the collaborative efforts of Auburn University College of Nursing faculty, staff, students, clinical partners, and the ACEMAPP development team throughout the project. They also specifically recognized Kristine Morrell, BSN, RN, for her contributions to the development and implementation of the evaluation integration process.
At ACEMAPP, we are proud to support institutions that continuously seek innovative ways to improve clinical education. Auburn University's work demonstrates how technology, thoughtful process improvement, and collaboration can come together to create meaningful outcomes for students, educators, and clinical partners alike.
Read the Full Publication
Bell A, Noll K, Pridemore A, Thompson C. Embedding Evaluation in Credentialing Systems: A Nursing Education Quality Improvement Initiative. Computers, Informatics, Nursing. 2026.
Congratulations to the Auburn University College of Nursing team on this important contribution to nursing education and clinical learning quality improvement.
