IFNA approved Chinese Anaesthesia Nurse Education Program: A Delphi method

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Anesthesia Care
• International Standards

Background:

• Anesthesia nursing practice in China lacks standardized education and scope of practice.
• Most nurses lack sufficient training for anesthesia care.
• Geographic variations exist in current anesthesia nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the first Anaesthesia Nurse Education Program in Mainland China.
• To align the program with the Educational Standards of the International Federation of Nurse Anaesthetists (IFNA).

Main Methods:

• Delphi technique used to define scope of practice and competencies.
• Developed an education program based on IFNA standards and Chinese context.
• Submitted the program for IFNA recognition in 2014, receiving approval in 2015.

Main Results:

• Defined a 50-item practice scope and a 45-item competency list for Chinese Anaesthesia Nurses.
• The 21-month program included nine curriculum modules.
• 13 candidates successfully completed the program, making it the first IFNA-approved program in China.

Conclusions:

• Graduates are prepared to provide high-level patient care.
• The program adoption of international standards ensures quality.
• Policy makers can rely on the program's effectiveness.