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.

Automated summary

This systematic review investigates the outcomes of nursing or midwifery students participating in international educational programs during their pre-registration education. The results suggest that students who engage in such programs experience similarities in cultural learning, personal growth, and professional development. However, there is a lack of research exploring long-term outcomes and further investigation is needed.