Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this project was to analyze and compare the educational experience in rheumatology specialty training programs across European countries, with a focus on self-reported ability.MethodAn electronic survey was designed to assess the training experience in terms of self-reported ability, existence of formal education, number of patients managed and assessments performed during rheumatology training in 21 core competences including managing specific diseases, generic competences and procedures. The target population consisted of rheumatology trainees and recently certified rheumatologists across Europe. The relationship between the country of training and the self-reported ability or training methods for each competence was analyzed through linear or logistic regression, as appropriate.ResultsIn total 1079 questionnaires from 41 countries were gathered. Self-reported ability was high for most competences, range 7.5–9.4 (0–10 scale) for clinical competences, 5.8–9.0 for technical procedures and 7.8–8.9 for generic competences. Competences with lower self-reported ability included managing patients with vasculitis, identifying crystals and performing an ultrasound. Between 53 and 91 % of the trainees received formal education and between 7 and 61 % of the trainees reported limited practical experience (managing ≤10 patients) in each competence. Evaluation of each competence was reported by 29–60 % of the respondents. In adjusted multivariable analysis, the country of training was associated with significant differences in self-reported ability for all individual competences.ConclusionEven though self-reported ability is generally high, there are significant differences amongst European countries, including differences in the learning structure and assessment of competences. This suggests that educational outcomes may also differ. Efforts to promote European harmonization in rheumatology training should be encouraged and supported.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1114-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The aim of this project was to analyze and compare the educational experience in rheumatology specialty training programs across European countries, with a focus on self-reported ability
The country of training was associated with significant differences in self-reported ability for all individual competences
Data on the scope of diseases managed by rheumatologists in each country are lacking, but the national training programs might well reflect the differences in the local definition of a rheumatologist
Summary
The aim of this project was to analyze and compare the educational experience in rheumatology specialty training programs across European countries, with a focus on self-reported ability. Rheumatology specialty training is the educational process required for a physician to be officially recognized as a specialist in rheumatology. In each country, it is defined by one (or sometimes several) officially approved training programs, which aim to bring physicians to an agreed standard of proficiency in the management of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Data on the scope of diseases managed by rheumatologists in each country are lacking, but the national training programs might well reflect the differences in the local definition of a rheumatologist.
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