Recommendations on sub-speciality accreditation in cardiology: The Coordination Task Force on Sub-speciality Accreditation of the European Board for the Speciality of Cardiology

Abstract

The purpose of the European Board for the Speciality of Cardiology (EBSC) Coordination Task Force on Sub-speciality Accreditation in Cardiology is to make recommendations on Sub-speciality Accreditation within Cardiology. EBSC aims to harmonize the process of accreditation of sub-specialities and thereby to provide uniformity of accreditation standards throughout cardiology. Certification in cardiology, for instance, the EBSC Diploma of European Cardiologist, is essential before an individual applies for sub-speciality accreditation. European accreditation standards within sub-specialities should be clearly defined, thereby assuring patients and other doctors the competence and skills of the accredited sub-specialists. This is increasingly important in times of developing mobility of doctors and patients in Europe in agreement with the basic EU principles of free movement. The process of sub-speciality accreditation of physicians in Europe has already been initiated by a number of sub-specialities. Those initiatives are based on similar principles and include theoretical (knowledge assessment) and practical (log books) assessments of the training and expertise in the field. These initiatives so far have not followed any specific configuration, mainly because no recommendations have yet been established by authorized scientific or regulatory bodies. It is the aim of this document to provide such a guideline. It is important that European accreditation of General Cardiology and sub-specialities is compatible with existing national accreditation systems. European accreditation aims to develop, enhance, and harmonize national assessment and assurance of competence. It is therefore foreseen that, in future, national accreditation systems will develop into a European accreditation system, as defined by the EBSC. Standardization of the process will foster future compatibility of accreditation systems within cardiology at European and national level. This document should be used as a template for future national/international accreditations. ### The European Board for the Speciality of Cardiology The European Board for the Speciality of Cardiology (EBSC) was set up in 1992 by the Union Europeennes des Medecins …