International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists' anesthesia program approval process

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) initiated a voluntary Anesthesia Program Approval Process (APAP).
• This process aims to establish and uphold international educational standards in anesthesiology.
• Global leaders in anesthesia recognized the need for a unified quality improvement system for anesthesia education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve anesthesia patient care globally by implementing a voluntary quality improvement system for educational programs.
• To ensure that anesthesia programs meet internationally recognized education standards.
• To provide a benchmark for quality in anesthesia education, benefiting patient care.

Main Methods:

• Development of a voluntary Anesthesia Program Approval Process (APAP) by international anesthesia leaders.
• Implementation of a quality improvement system for anesthesia schools and programs.
• Review and approval of anesthesia programs based on common international education standards.

Main Results:

• By 2013, 14 anesthesia programs across nine countries successfully completed the APAP.
• Additional programs were scheduled for review in 2014, indicating growing international adoption.
• Faculty from approved programs demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in anesthesia education.

Conclusions:

• Meeting international education standards is crucial for advancing anesthesia, pain management, and resuscitative care worldwide.
• APAP provides a reliable measure of quality for anesthesia education programs.
• Policymakers can ensure the quality and appropriate training of healthcare workers by recognizing programs approved through such systems.