Evaluation of the International Scope of Practice of Nonphysician Anesthesia Providers Between 2012 and 2022.

Abstract

In 2012, representatives of the 44 International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) member countries were surveyed about their scope of practice. Ten years later, the researchers repeated the study to evaluate the professional development of nonphysician anesthesia providers. The survey was prepared by the IFNA Practice Committee and explored demographics, training, anesthesia team members, and daily activities of the nonphysician anesthesia providers (NPAPs). The online survey was sent to all IFNA Country National Representatives. In 2022, 22 out of 44 countries had more than one type of NPAP including five countries that had anesthesia technicians. NPAPs work in operating theatres (94.4%), postanesthesia care units (81.9%), intensive care units (46%), acute (51%), chronic pain (28%), air ambulance (28%), resuscitation (69%), or trauma team (42%), preoperative screening (57%). Formal recognition of the profession and the requirement of licensure to practice has increased. Education levels have increased substantially, which resulted in more indirect supervision. Direct supervision by physicians is related to education levels and limited scope of practice. The NPAP workforce is growing toward IFNA standards, but it has become a more diversely educated workforce. NPAPs who are educated at a bachelor or higher level and require officially recognized licensure to practice, have an extensive scope of practice.