Learning to Manage Welfare and Health Services

Abstract

In recent years, several training programmes in professional development (PD) have emerged to complement academic further education in Finland. These programmes, a novelty due to their long duration and often processlike nature, are organized by universities for university graduates and others with sufficient study skills, to promote professional development Iy complementing the degree system. Evaluation data on the outcome of these courses are still sparse. Evaluation is always connected with the idea of change and with the guidance and development required by it. Evaluation should thus lead to utilizing knowledge in decision making and planning. This article summarizes the evaluation of a programme in welfare and health care services management, which was an integral component of the training process.