[International exchange program for anesthesia nursing students : Retrospective analysis of sustainable evaluation criteria].

Abstract

Background and aim: Anesthesia nursing students have little contact with relevant global contexts of their professional practice and health care as a whole. An international exchange program between a German postgraduate institution and a US university focuses on this global perspective and provides insights into each other's healthcare systems. The article offers insight into a successful international exchange program and analyzes possible evaluation criteria for the program.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of program implementation at both institutions, evaluations conducted to date, and exchange experiences that have taken place is conducted. From this, possible quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria were identified.

Results: A total of 13 student exchange trips and 7 reciprocal faculty visits were recorded as part of the program. Over the 6‑year period analyzed, a total of 15 clinical institutions were recruited for job shadowing. Additional outcomes included joint scientific projects and publications (contributions to journals and congresses).

Discussion and conclusion: The structured goal setting and operationalization of an international cooperation are helpful for the later analysis of its success. In the example described, anesthesia nursing students, faculty, and the participating institutions benefited from the international exchange program. From this, quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria could be identified and described for future use for international exchange of anesthesia nursing students.