IFNA’s Approval Process for Anesthesia Programs APAP

Goals of APAP To encourage programs to comply with IFNA’s Educational Standards for Preparing Nurse Anesthetists through an approval process that takes cultural differences into consideration To improve the health and welfare of humanity by promoting international educational standards

Philosophy Behind APAP

IFNA’s Belief “If nurses are utilized for preoperative or postoperative preparation of the patient and if they perform venous and arterial cannulation, induction and emergence of anesthesia, intubation, and extubation, and if they are left alone for any reason, they should be appropriately educated.”

IFNA’s Belief “If nurses are being utilized in such a manner…IFNA is concerned that their educational process is sufficient to support anesthesia practice and patient safety.” Professional Study & Resource Guide for the CRNA

Development of APAP

Interest in Quality Assurance for Anesthesia Education 1997: CQAIE speech in Vienna 1998: Education Committee proposed QA program for education & practice 2000: Discussed at Chicago World Congress 2001: Discussed at Officers meeting 2002: COA-USA presents to CNR in Helsinki 2005: Education Committee begins plan for international approval of programs

Procedure Used to Develop APAP 2006-2007: First draft of application process developed by Education Committee with members from Switzerland, Africa, Taiwan, Sweden & USA June 2008: Three programs completed the pilot project and were awarded “Recognition” Sweden The Netherlands USA

Procedure to Develop APAP Application process revised based on feedback from pilot project Preliminary approval of draft documents by decision making bodies of IFNA Call for public comments on IFNA website plus individual organizations invited to comment Proposal revised based on comments received Final approval by IFNA Introduction of APAP at World Congress in 2010

Categories of Approval

Categories of Approval APAP is designed to work with anesthesia programs as they currently exist if they pledge to meet IFNA’s Education Standards to the best of their ability. Three categories of approval are available. Only one type will be awarded to a program at any given time.

Three Categories of Approval Recognizes the (1) diversity of nurse anesthesia programs throughout the world; (2) the economic stage of development of a country; (3) the resources available to individual programs; (4) a commitment of diverse programs to a common standard of educational quality.

Categories of Approval Programs can apply for one category of approval: Registration Recognition Accreditation

IFNA Anesthesia Education Program Registration Pledge to comply with Education Standards to best of its ability Signature of program director and highest institutional official Submit curriculum for posting on IFNA’s website

IFNA Anesthesia Education Program Recognition Pledge to comply with Education Standards to best of its ability Signature of program director and highest institutional official Submit curriculum for audit to determine substantial compliance with Education Standards

IFNA Anesthesia Education Program Accreditation Pledge to comply with Education Standards Submit a self study Host an on-site visit by IFNA representatives Review by Education Committee Agreement or remand by Board of Officers & CNR

Eligibility for Approval (All 3 Categories) Programs in IFNA member or non-member countries Students are non-physicians Require education in nursing or another scientific background (Registration & Recognition) Require education in nursing (Accreditation)

Eligibility for Approval (All 3 Categories) Evidence from government that program has current official status* in the country, if available Evidence that the program has not been denied approval by a governmental or nongovernmental accreditation or quality assurance entity *Authorized, recognized, chartered, audited or accredited

Decision Process Agree or send it back To Education Committee

Types of Decisions Registration Recognition Accreditation Denial Withdrawal Warning Revocation

Certificate of Approval Awarded to approved programs in every category Signed by IFNA President & Education Committee Chair

Renewal – 5 year intervals Program requirements Update application or self study to meet new requirements & changes in program Complete faculty & student evaluations in categories of Recognition and Accreditation New self study & site visit may be requested if problems with meeting Standards

Fees Registration or Recognition: No fee

Fees Accreditation: Program pays 1500 Swiss Francs at application Costs of site visit 1 day to review self study 2 days on site 2 days travel 1 day to write report

APAP Outcome Encourage programs to comply with IFNA’s Educational Standards for Preparing Nurse Anesthetists through an approval process that considers cultural, national, or regional differences. Collegial process to improve education programs

Summary APAP can encourage globalization of education for nurse anesthetists Global education standards are important

Thank you! bhorton@pwr-net.coop