Adult congenital heart disease training in Europe: current status, disparities and potential solutions
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Published:2023-12
Issue:2
Volume:10
Page:e002558
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ISSN:2053-3624
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Container-title:Open Heart
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Open Heart
Author:
McMahon Colin JORCID, Voges Inga, Jenkins Petra, Brida MargaritaORCID, van der Bosch Annemien E, Dellborg Mikael, Heying Ruth, Stein Jörg I, Georgiev Borislav, Mesihovic-Dinarevic Senka, Prokšelj KatjaORCID, Oskarsson Gylfi, Frogoudaki AlexandraORCID, Karagöz Tevfik, Jossif Antonis, Doros Gabriela, Nielsen Dorte, Jalanko Mikko, Sanchez Perez Inmaculada, Alvares Sílvia, Estensen Mette-Elise, Petropoulos Andreas, Tagen Raili, Gumbienė Lina, Michel-Behnke Ina, Olejnik Peter, Clift Paul F, Sendzikaite Skaiste, Albert-Brotons Dimpna C, Rhodes Mark, Pitkänen Olli, Bassareo Pier PaoloORCID, Gatzoulis Michael A, Walsh Kevin, Milanesi Ornella, Ladouceur MagalieORCID, Chessa MassimoORCID, Budts WernerORCID
Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the status of training of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) cardiologists in Europe.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to ACHD cardiologists from 34 European countries.ResultsRepresentatives from 31 of 34 countries (91%) responded. ACHD cardiology was recognised by the respective ministry of Health in two countries (7%) as a subspecialty. Two countries (7%) have formally recognised ACHD training programmes, 15 (48%) have informal (neither accredited nor certified) training and 14 (45%) have very limited or no programme. Twenty-five countries (81%) described training ACHD doctors ‘on the job’. The median number of ACHD centres per country was 4 (range 0–28), median number of ACHD surgical centres was 3 (0–26) and the median number of ACHD training centres was 2 (range 0–28). An established exit examination in ACHD was conducted in only one country (3%) and formal certification provided by two countries (7%). ACHD cardiologist number versus gross domestic product Pearson correlation coefficient=0.789 (p<0.001).ConclusionFormal or accredited training in ACHD is rare among European countries. Many countries have very limited or no training and resort to ‘train people on the job’. Few countries provide either an exit examination or certification. Efforts to harmonise training and establish standards in exit examination and certification may improve training and consequently promote the alignment of high-quality patient care.
Subject
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Reference32 articles.
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