Recognizing and Adapting to Cultural Differences: Influence of International Educational Programs on Future Nursing and Midwifery Practice.

INTRODUCTION: International educational programs build cultural humility and safety skills in nursing and midwifery students; however, long-term outcomes of these programs are unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of international educational programs on nurses' and midwives' future professional practice. METHOD: Using grounded theory informed by Charmaz, 13 general nurses, two mental health nurses, three midwives, and four dual-qualified nurse/midwives across eight different countries were interviewed. Three categories evolved from the analysis. This article reports on the category Recognizing and adapting to cultural differences. FINDINGS: Participants developed cultural safety and awareness from participation in programs extending into future practice. Experiencing and adapting to cultural similarities and differences, they developed culturally congruent practices many years after program completion. DISCUSSION: International programs contributed to participants' professional practice. Positive and ongoing influences are important for employers to promote patient safety and culturally congruent quality care. Findings are also relevant for education providers to inform quality cultural learning.

Reported outcomes of nursing or midwifery students participating in international educational programs in their pre-registration education: A narrative systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify outcomes of nursing or midwifery students participating in international educational programs in their pre-registration education. DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in keeping with JBI methods. DATA SOURCES: A range of databases were searched, including Medline, Embase, ERIC, CINAHL, ProQuest Central and DOAJ. Studies published in English from 2010 to 2020 were considered. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The review included qualitative and quantitative primary peer-reviewed research studies involving nursing or midwifery students who participated in international educational programs in their pre-registration education. REVIEW METHODS: Thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke was used to identify key outcomes emerging. RESULTS: 56 studies were included. The results highlight similarities in outcomes for students who had undertaken international educational programs in three thematic areas: Cultural learning, Personal growth, and Professional development. Short-term outcomes are well documented, however there is a lack of research investigating long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is required to investigate long-term outcomes of international educational programs and means for measuring the effects on students' future professional practice. In addition, further research is needed to explore the perspectives of, and impact on, others including host communities and universities, and other stakeholders.