OUTCOME- BASED EDUCATION (OBE) IN NURSING: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is a learner-centred approach that focuses on the achievement of clearly defined competencies at the end of a learning programme. In nursing education, where both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills are essential, OBE provides a structured framework to ensure that graduates are prepared to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care. This narrative review explores the evolution, concepts, and application of OBE in nursing education. It highlights the transition from traditional teacher-centred methods to competency-based learning aligned with measurable outcomes. The review discusses key components of OBE, including paradigm, purposes, premises, principles, and practices, along with strategies such as Bloom’s taxonomy, formulation of course outcomes, programme outcomes, programme specific outcomes, and graduate attributes. The importance of CO–PO mapping and outcome attainment for continuous quality improvement in nursing education is also emphasized. It also outlines the benefits of OBE, including improved clinical competence, critical thinking, individualized learning, and enhanced learner motivation. Overall, OBE supports the development of competent nursing graduates capable of meeting evolving healthcare demands.