Nurse anesthetist students' experiences of peer learning in clinical education - A qualitative study.

Background: As part of an interprofessional operating team, nurse anesthetists need to be skilled in collaboration, problem solving, attentiveness, independent decision-making and knowledge of anesthesiology nursing. Factors that are vital for nurse anesthetist students' future profession. The educational model peer learning, characterized by collaboration and learning through social interaction between individuals, may support nurse anesthetist students' development in such skills.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore nurse anesthetist students' perceptions of their experiences of peer learning as an educational model during their clinical education in a Swedish context.

Methods: The approach was a qualitative descriptive design. Seven nurse anesthetist students from four different universities were interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed with content analysis.

Results: Three generic categories revealed a description of the phenomenon: Increased independence, Holistic view and Expansive learning process. A main category brought together the content of the generic categories and shows the overall finding of the study: Peer learning promotes nurse anesthetist students' personal and professional development.

Conclusion: Peer learning as an educational model during nurse anesthetist students' clinical education might facilitate preparation for their coming profession.