A process: development of a model multiculturalism curriculum designed for mobility across geographic borders

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Anesthesiology
• International Healthcare Mobility

Background:

• The Council on Accreditation Project aimed to address educational requirements and mobility for nurse anesthetists within North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries.
• Existing educational barriers hinder the seamless mobility of qualified nurse anesthetists across NAFTA borders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model curriculum that minimizes educational disparities for nurse anesthetists seeking mobility across NAFTA countries.
• To integrate concepts of human diversity and cultural differences into the nurse anesthesia model curriculum.
• To test a process for curriculum integration and its impact on professional and technical expertise.

Main Methods:

• The study focused on the process implemented in year III of the project.
• Cultural concepts were systematically integrated into the developing nurse anesthesia model curriculum.
• Emphasis was placed on blending professional and technical expertise with considerations of human diversity.

Main Results:

• A model curriculum framework was developed, incorporating strategies to address educational barriers for nurse anesthetist mobility.
• The integration process successfully incorporated cultural concepts, enhancing the curriculum's relevance to diverse populations.
• The project advanced a process for testing curriculum models aimed at facilitating international professional mobility.

Conclusions:

• Integrating cultural concepts into a model curriculum is feasible and essential for enhancing nurse anesthetist mobility across NAFTA countries.
• The developed curriculum model provides a foundation for reducing educational barriers and promoting a culturally competent workforce.
• The project successfully tested a process for curriculum development focused on international professional collaboration and diversity.