Forecasts predict a growing shortage of skilled nursing staff in countries worldwide. Nurse migration is already a common strategy used to address nursing workforce needs. Germany, the UK, and Australia are reviewed here as examples of destination countries for nurse migrants. Agreements exist between countries to facilitate nurse migration; however, it is not evident how nurse migrants have contributed to data on which these arrangements are based. We examined existing primary research on nurse migration, including educational needs and initiatives to support policymakers’, stakeholders’, and health professions educators’ decisions on measures for ethical and sustainable nurse migration. We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to review available empirical research data which involved, was developed with, or considered migrant nurses to address the research question: what are the findings of research that directly involves migrant nurses in producing primary research data? A total of 56 papers were included. Four main themes were identified in this research data: Research does not clearly define what is meant by the term migrant nurses; discrimination is often reported by migrant nurses; language and communication competencies are important; and structured integration programs are highly valued by migrant nurses and destination healthcare employers. Migrant nurses continue to experience discrimination and reduced career opportunities and therefore should be included in research about them to better inform policy. Structured integration programs can improve the experience of migrant nurses by providing language support (if necessary), a country-specific bridging program and help with organisational hurdles. Not only researching migrant nurses but making them active partners in research is of great importance for successful, ethical, and sustainable migration policies. A broader evidence base, especially with regard to the views and experiences of migrant nurses and their educational support needs, should be promoted to make future immigration policy more needs-based, sustainable and ethically acceptable.

Peer-assisted learning (PAL)–especially peer tutorials–are gaining momentum in health professions education, particularly in interprofessional education. As little is known about the use of peer tutorials or the preparation of tutors in this context in Germany and in other countries, this study aims to provide an overview of these interventions. A cross-sectional study with a descriptive-exploratory design was conducted. German institutions for health professions education were contacted, and individuals with pedagogical responsibilities were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey was informed by two studies in which seven domains were identified as important. These included facts about the institution, the offer of PAL, the use of tutorials, and the design of tutor training. The survey used mostly closed-ended questions. The questionnaire was completed by n = 100 participants. Overall, n = 46 participants indicated that PAL was offered at their institution. Of these 46 participants, 32 (70%) indicated that uniprofessional PAL was offered, 2 (4%) indicated that interprofessional PAL was offered, and 12 (26%) indicated that both forms of PAL were offered. Peer tutoring was the most common format in both cases (73% for uniprofessional and 64% for interprofessional PAL), and mandatory interventions were mostly used to prepare the tutors. These interventions were held by educators or lecturers and were offered mostly face-to-face as workshops or as discussions. Deepening the tutors’ social competencies through training was given high relevance. Regarding content, focus was placed on communication, (self-)reflection, and group management. Eighty-eight participants expressed recommendations for future directions in terms of preparing tutors for interprofessional PAL. Minor differences between the use of uniprofessional and interprofessional PAL and tutor training were found. Nevertheless, implementation strategies varied. In future, preparatory measures for tutors should be more uniformly designed and geared to the specific requirements of uniprofessional and interprofessional learning, and that at best on an empirical basis.

Ziel der Studie Interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit der Gesundheitsberufe ist für die patient/innenzentrierte Versorgung von zunehmender Bedeutung und sollte von Lernenden der Gesundheitsberufe in Ausbildung bzw. Studium erlernt werden. An der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin soll ein gemeinsames Verständnis von Interprofessionalität geschaffen werden, um die interprofessionelle Ausbildung weiterzuentwickeln. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Entwicklung von professionsübergreifenden, interprofessionellen (IP) Ausbildungszielen als Rahmenwerk für den lokalen Kontext. Methodik IP Ausbildungsziele wurden in einem systematischen, 2-schrittigem Verfahren entwickelt und validiert. Zunächst hat eine Arbeitsgruppe (N=12) mittels Nominal Group Technique und Gruppenarbeitsphasen einen Entwurf an IP Ausbildungszielen entwickelt. Diese wurden mittels Delphi-Studie in 2 Runden mit Fakultätsmitgliedern (N=17) validiert. Ergebnisse Es wurde ein Rahmenwerk für IP Ausbildungsziele entwickelt und validiert. Dieses umfasst einen einleitenden Text, sowie 4 Domänen, die jeweils einen Titel, eine Beschreibung des zu erreichenden Outcomes und operationalisierte Lernziele für die Bereiche Wissen, Fähigkeiten/Fertigkeiten sowie Einstellung/Haltung definieren. Schlussfolgerung Mit der Entwicklung und Validierung von IP Ausbildungszielen an der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin liegt ein berufsgruppenübergreifend abgestimmtes Rahmenwerk an Ausbildungszielen vor, das als Basis für die Implementierung interprofessioneller Lehre der im Hause angebotenen Ausbildungen und Studiengängen genutzt werden soll. Dieses Rahmenwerk kann anderen Fakultäten als Grundlage für die eigene Weiterentwicklung interprofessioneller Lehre dienen. Objectives The impact of interprofessional (IP) collaboration on patient-centered care is constantly increasing. Health professional students need to be prepared for interprofessional collaboration in the workplace. The Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin aims to establish a common understanding of interprofessionalism in order to further develop interprofessional education. The aim of this study was to develop a framework with IP learning outcomes for the local context. Materials and Methods IP training goals were developed and validated in a systematic, 2-step process. First, a working group (n=12) developed a draft of IP outcomes using the nominal group technique. This draft was validated with a Delphi study in 2 rounds with IP faculty members and students (n=17). Results A framework of IP learning outcomes was developed and validated. It included an introductory text and 4 competency domains. Each domain defined a title, a description and operationalized learning outcomes for the areas of knowledge, skills and attitude. Conclusions The framework resulting from the development and validation of IP learning outcomes at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin can be used as a basis for the coordinated implementation of IPE at the faculty. This framework may serve other faculties as a basis for their own development of interprofessional education. Publication Date: 25 January 2021 (online) © 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Peer tutorials – one form of peer-assisted learning (PAL) – are becoming increasingly important in health professions education (HPE). Student tutors usually undergo preparation to support learners in interactive and self-directed learning; however, it is unclear whether and to what extent tutors need special preparation to facilitate interprofessional PAL (iPAL) or what impact this preparation might have. To investigate these questions, a mixed-methods study is underway that consists of three sub-studies: (1) an online survey exploring current tutor preparation in Germany, (2) group discussions on training with iPAL tutors in Germany, and (3) interviews with international experts. The quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data are analyzed thematically. This study will provide multi-perspective insights into tutor preparation for iPAL. Results may be used to support conclusions and stimulate debate on the didactic legitimacy and design of tutor preparation as well as to inform future research.

Background: Peer tutorials are widely used in medical and health professions education. Some evidence suggests that peer tutorials can have positive effects for student peer tutors and tutees alike. To promote these positive effects, peer tutors are often prepared for their tasks. However, detailed information about this preparation is missing in the literature. The present study thus examines from the tutors’ perspective how peer tutor preparation is conducted, both in interprofessional and uniprofessional contexts, and how this preparation affects peer relations. Methods: A qualitative design was used for the study. For data gathering, three online focus group discussions were conducted with student peer tutors from uniprofessional and interprofessional settings who had a background in health professions. Data were analysed inductively via thematic analysis. Results: A total of 19 individuals participated in three focus group discussions (n = 6/n = 6/n = 7). From the participants’ perspective, preparation measures were heterogenous. Of a wide range of different measures, some were perceived as more helpful, others as less helpful. In analysing the data, three relevant themes came up which were dereived from the peer tutors’ perspective: roles, eye level, and (self-)trust. All three themes were found to be closely related and appeared to have a direct influence on peer relations. This influence on the learning/teaching process was either positive or negative depending on the respondents’ experiences. Conclusion: From the peer tutors’ perspective, the preparation they received affected their relationships with their peers in a variety of ways, influenced by the context and the peer tutors’ needs. This finding should be taken into account when planning and implementing future preparatory activities. In addition, further pedagogical considerations and discussions about preparatory activities for peer tutors and their potential impact on social and cognitive congruence are needed.

Introduction: The development of health professions education (HPE) as an academic discipline requires well-qualified educational researchers, equipped with the competence to advance the field. There is, therefore, a need to establish and support pathways in which early-career researchers (ECRs) can develop the necessary competence to pursue a career in this field.Approach: A group of 19 international experts in HPE from various professions, conducted a 2.5-day Scoping Workshop in Hannover, Germany, in November 2024. The main output of the workshop is a joint position statement on the support of ECRs in HPE, using appreciative inquiry and collaborative writing.Position: The Scoping Workshop led to a dynamic and productive exchange of ideas and experiences resulting in a common vision and five positions: (1) identify, establish, and recognize distinct career paths, (2) develop and implement a robust funding strategy, (3) create a nurturing and diverse intellectual culture, (4) connect research to practice and address real-world problems, (5) invest in leadership, advocacy, and coaching. There was strong agreement that these areas were not well developed and required urgent attention.Outlook: There is a need to foster interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration and provision of sustainable support structures so that ECRs can advance HPE. Only when these areas are addressed can these educational researchers contribute to the development of effective learning which prepares the healthcare workforce to meet today’s challenges. Researchers, educators, decision-makers and stakeholders in academia, education, and health and social care contexts share a responsibility for shaping the way forward.