The Pan-Canadian Framework of Guiding Principles and Essential Components for IEN Bridging Programs is based on

• promising practices identified in an environmental scan and literature synthesis of Canadian bridging programs,
• literature on bridging programs for other internationally educated health professionals, and
• the expertise of stakeholders.

It outlines promising practices to be carried out by a bridging program’s educational unit (the faculty and administration that deliver the program) and the educational program itself (curriculum and course content).

The guiding principles are generalized value statements, while the essential components are more detailed and outline how educational units and programs can deliver promising practices.