European Training Programme Research Articles

Investigating the European perspective of neonatal point-of-care echocardiography in the neonatal intensive care unit—a pilot study

Point-of-care functional neonatal echocardiography (fnECHO) is increasingly used to assess haemodynamic status or patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA). In Australasia, 90 % of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) practice point-of-care fnECHO. The Australian Society of Ultrasound Medicine offers a training certificate for fnECHO. In Europe, the use and indications of fnECHO and the extent of point-of-care fnECHO training and accreditation are unknown. We aimed to assess utilisation and training of fnECHO in Europe. For this, we conducted an email survey of 45 randomly chosen tertiary NICUs in 17 European countries. The recall rate was 89 % (n = 40). Neonatologists with skills in fnECHO worked in 29 NICUs (74 %), but paediatric cardiologists would routinely perform most fnECHOs. Twenty-four-hour echocardiography service was available in 31 NICUs (78 %). Indications for fnECHO included assessment of haemodynamic volume status (53 %), presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (55 %), indication for and effect of volume replacement therapy (58 %), PDA assessment and monitoring of PDA treatment (80 %). Teaching of fnECHO was offered to trainees in 22 NICUs (55 %). Teaching of fnECHO was provided by paediatric cardiologists (55 %) or by neonatologists (45 %). Only six (15 %) national colleges accredited fnECHO teaching courses. fnECHO is widely practiced by neonatologists across Europe for a broad range of clinical questions. However, there is a lack of formal training and accreditation of fnECHO skills. This could be addressed by designing a dedicated European fnECHO training programme and by agreeing on a common European certificate of fnECHO.

Embedding Islam in the ‘Moral Covenants’ of European States: The Case of a State-Funded Imam Training in the Netherlands

Abstract Modern European societies have set their ‘moral covenants’ in recent history and these underpin their social institutions. But what happens when new ‘alien’ religious institutions have to be included into the ‘moral commonwealth’ since a considerable number of people from different cultural backgrounds have come to live in Europe? How do the ‘fragile formulas’ (Salvatore) or ‘moral covenants’ (Selznick) underpin the institutionalisation process of Muslim institutions? How do the covenants persist and change? The institutionalisation processes of imam training programmes in Europe are excellent examples which can be used to examine the content and contemporary use of these ‘moral covenants.’ This paper explores the example of the Dutch ‘imam training debate,’ as a contribution to ongoing studies which focus on strategies of various actors involved in the institutionalisation process of Muslim learning institutions in Europe.

ETPOD (European Training Program on Organ Donation): a successful training program to improve organ donation

Advanced training of healthcare professionals active in organ donation is highlighted as a major means to overcome organ shortage. The objective of this study was to improve donation rates in the selected European target areas (TAs) by providing an advanced training program. A prospective intervention study was conducted in 25 TAs with active donor programs from 17 European countries, between 2007 and 2009. A training program based on collaborative methodology was designed at three different professional levels (health workers awareness, junior transplant coordinators, managers). Courses evaluation scores and donation figures in each TA were collected and compared before and after intervention. Courses with new developed training tools were implemented reaching out 3286 healthcare professionals. Feed-back questionnaires revealed a high degree of satisfaction among participants (average of 4.35 on a 1-5 scale). The number of utilized donors in the TAs increased from 15.7±14.3 (95% CI: 9.8-21.6) to 20.0±17.1 (95% CI: 13-27.1) (P=0.014) and the number of organs recovered increased from 49.7±48.5 (95% CI: 29.6-69.7) to 59.3±52.1 (95% CI: 37.8-80.8) (P=0.044). The European Training Program on Organ Donation is a successful training program, achieving a significant increase in organ donation figures.

ETPOD Dissemination: The Continuity of a Successful Training Program

Background: Organ shortage is the major limiting factor for the further development of transplant programs worldwide. The advanced training of professionals active in organ donation is highlighted as a means to overcome this main shortcoming. A multicenter, prospective study including 25 target areas with active transplant programs was conducted from January 2007 to December 2009 and a three level intervention based on a collaborative methodology was designed: The European Training Program on Organ Donation (ETPOD). ETPOD was developed in compliance with the training needs of health professionals involved in the various stages of organ donation and included the “Training for Trainers” course. It aimed at providing key donation professionals with the skills required to replicate the “Essentials in Organ Donation Training seminars” (EOD) designed to endow participants with basic knowledge related to organ donation. Donation figures were compared before and after intervention, showing an increase of cadaveric effective donors detected and organs procured. Objective: The aim of this study is to disseminate further on the educational tools created and analyze dissemination impact. Methods: EOD seminars have been carried out further on by the ETPOD participants. Moreover, participants from 22 countries, belonging to the European Transplant Network and the Mediterranean Transplant Network respectively, have benefitted from Training for Trainers Programs. New target areas have been established and EOD seminars carried out. Educational materials have been translated and adapted to the reality and needs of each country involved. A database has been created (http://www.etpod-dissemination.eu) to follow up EOD seminars and their impact on organ donation. Results: Eighteen new target areas from 11 different countries from Europe and Asia have been established as following: Frantz Fanon CHU Blida (Algeria), Nicosia (Cyprus), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Kasr Al Aini University Hospital (Egypt), Estonia, Papageorgiou (Greece), Transplant Center- Ministry of Health (Israel), Lebanon, Lithuania, Tripoli Central Hospital (Lybia), Mater Dei Hospital (Malta), Palestine Medical Complex Ramallah (Palestine), Slovenia, Tunisia, Istanbul region and Central - Eastern Region (Turkey). Ninety-one EOD seminars have been carried out in the above-mentioned target areas and 5088 healthcare professionals have been trained. Due to its feasibility, new organizations representing large populations and extended geographical areas have expressed their interest to implement the training program in their countries. Conclusions: ETPOD is a successful training program by having created creating quality educational materials with the support of the project participating organizations and the recognition of the European Commission through its “Action Plan on Organ Donation and Transplantation (2009-2015)”. After the official closure of the project, it has been further disseminated, training thousands of professionals involved in organ donation worldwide.

Accreditation of neurosurgical training programmes in Europe: report of the JRAAC

Accreditation of neurosurgical training programmes in Europe: report of the JRAAC

Partnership for Transplantation: A New Initiative to Increase Deceased Organ Donation in Poland

Despite the long-standing history of transplantation, the shortage of organs has remained its most restrictive factor. In 2010, the number of actual deceased organ donors in Poland was 13.5/million population (pmp). However, a huge difference in organ recovery rates is evident between various regions, eg, 32 pmp, in western Pomerania compared with 1–3 pmp in southern districts. A substantial number of patients who die while awaiting organ transplantations could be saved were effective programs able to overcome barriers in deceased organ donation. Such programs, eg, the European Donor Hospital Education Program, Donor Action, European Training Program on Organ Donation, United States Collaborative in Donation were introduced several years ago, but after transient improvements there has not been real progress. A new comprehensive program—Regional Partnership for Transplantation—was initiated a year ago in 4 districts of southern Poland by the Polish Union for Transplantation Medicine. The letter of intent to activate the donation program was signed by the local administration, the president of the local medical school, president of the Physician's Chamber, transplant centers, the Polish Union for Transplantation, and the Polish Transplant Coordinating Center. The plan of action included training of in-hospital coordinators, visits to all regional hospitals in company of a representative of the hospital founding body, examination of the real donation pool and the need for participation in a donation program training and education of the hospital staff in legal and organizational aspects of donation, brain death recognition, and various aspects of donor care. In addition, the program included communication skills workshops for intensive care unit physicians (with participation of 2 actors, an experienced anesthesiologist, and a psychologist), lectures for high school and university students and for hospital chaplains as well as alumni of higher seminaries. The preliminary results (after the first year) showed 40%–70% increases in activity of the local hospitals in the organ donation process.

Accreditation of neurosurgical training programmes in Europe: Report of JRAAC

Accreditation of neurosurgical training programmes in Europe: Report of JRAAC

A European training system in cardiothoracic surgery: is it time?

Training in cardiothoracic surgery across Europe remains diverse and variable despite the ever closer integration of European countries at all levels and in all areas of life. Coupled with the increasing ease of movement across Europe, the need for uniform training programmes has arisen to allow for equivalent accreditation and certification. We review the current training paradigms within the specialty across the world and in Europe and also explore the concept of competence. There are diverse training systems across the world and in Europe in particular. Competence-based training is the new model of training; however, competence remains difficult to define and measure. We propose a European Training Programme in Cardiothoracic Surgery that aims to standardize training across the European countries. The difficulties in unifying training across Europe are numerous, but it is time to implement a European Training System in Cardiothoracic Surgery that will deliver a competence-based curriculum.

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

New Database Provides Insight into European Countries' Subspecialty Training in Neonatology

Background and aims: The ESN decided to establish a database of the European countries' national programs on subspecialty training in Neonatology. The aim was to improve transparency and facilitate harmonisation of standards of knowledge and skills required to practice Neonatology at a tertiary care level. The process was undertaken January, 2010 - March, 2011.Methods: Based on the ESN Curriculum for Training in Neonatology (Syllabus) we constructed a database containing 6 categories according to the Syllabus: Training-knowledge, basic characteristics, training-skills, key competencies, personal development, and recording of progress. UEMS (Union of European Medical Societies) member countries were contacted by e-mail, and relevant contact persons were identified. The majority of data was categorical, i.e. “yes”, “no” or “not applicable”. Basic characteristics concerning e.g. length of training in Neonatology were quantified.Results: A total of 28/30 UEMS member countries (93%) completed the database which was published on the ESN website. We found high uniformity across countries concerning the knowledge, skills and competencies required of a trainee. However, quality control measures mentioned under basic characteristics such as examination, confrontations and allocation of a mentor were extremely different between responders. The same was true for the responders' expectations to the trainee's personal development as counsellor, manager, leader and teacher, as well as recording of progress.Conclusions: This database provides the first overview of the European countries' national training programs in Neonatology. We hope that the transparency generated can serve to identify differences that are founded in local conditions and those that can be harmonised.

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

Announcement for The European Modular Education and Training Programme in Safety Sciences for Medicines

TRAINING OF HEALTH RISK ASSESSORS IN EUROPE – DEMAND, NEEDS AND SUPPLY

Background and aims: Health risk assessment is an essential tool in protecting public health and a key aspect of EU policy and legislation. There is a lack of coordinated training opportunities for health risk assessors in Europe. The aim of the Risk Assessment and Management – European Training Programme (Risk ASSETs) project is to bring together technical specialist, including Epidemiologists, Toxicologists and Environmental Assessors to develop a suitable training programme to address this need. Methods: A literature review and survey of health risk assessors was undertaken. From this, competencies for health risk assessors were developed and agreed at two international workshops. These were used to develop the curriculum and course module outlines. Epidemiology is a core component of the project and is integrated in all relevant teaching material. Additionally, a review of administrative frameworks for different professional development schemes is being undertaken in order to develop an administrative framework to deliver training across the EU. Results: The training needs of health risk assessors in Europe are broad and encompass the needs of health risk assessors in regulatory bodies, public health, industry, consultancies and research. The proposed competencies aim to address this broad range of training needs. Consideration has been given to developing essential knowledge and key skill in Epidemiology within the context of health risk assessment. The proposed training scheme allows a non-specialist scientist to undertake a modular programme to qualify as a health risk assessor, with the option of tailoring their training to suit their specific role as a health risk assessor. The proposed administrative system coordinates training across Europe, allowing a trainee to undertake training in different European countries. Conclusions: There is a substantial need for more coordinated health risk assessment training opportunities in Europe. The Risk ASSETs project provides a proposed health risk assessment training model for Europe. Such a training scheme has the potential to improve the quality of health risk assessments undertaken and, subsequently, improve public health protection.

The EU Erasmus Mundus Program: The Master's Degree in Food Innovation and Product Design (Partners: Dublin Institute of Technology, AgroParisTech, University of Naples and University of Lund)

Erasmus Mundus is a European educational training program for non-European and European students who want to pursue studies at a Master's level. Students study modules provided by a number of higher educational institutes/universities in various European countries. The MS in Food Innovation and Product Design is a new program which will commence at the end of August 2011. The successful applicants will study in AgroParisTech (France), Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland) and can choose to study at either Lund University (Sweden) or University of Naples (Italy). Students will gain knowledge and skills to enable them to produce innovative food products.

P01-578 - Training in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) in Europe: 2010–11 survey by the European Federation of psychiatric trainees CAP working group

IntroductionThe education and training of doctors specialising in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) varies substantially across Europe. There is a paucity of information available about training quality. This prompted an initial training survey led by Dr E Barrett (2010) which was expanded upon by the CAP working group in the 2010 EFPT international forum in Dubrovnik to create ‘country reports’ for 2010–2011.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to collect information relating to key aspects of CAP training programmes in Europe in a systematic way in order to start a ‘Training Database’ that can be held centrally by the EFPT. Information will be added to the database every year following EFPT annual international meetings.AimsWe aim to better understand the training structures in CAP across europe to help inform best practice standards for training.MethodsA pro-forma word document was emailed to all EFPT CAP contacts: there were 20 contacts emailed.ResultsSo far we have a response rate of over 60% and we are continuing to collect and collate relevant data. This survey highlighted a large variation in CAP training across Europe. It represents the basis for systematic data collection on an international level, and will help focus on areas where CAP training could be improved.ConclusionsThis survey highlights a large variation in CAP training across Europe. It represents the basis for systematic data collection on an international level, and will help focus on areas where CAP training could be improved.