Differences and similarities in rheumatology specialty training programmes across European countries. Issue 6 (6th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sivera, Francisca; Ramiro, Sofia; Cikes, Nada; Dougados, Maxime; Gossec, Laure; Kvien, Tore K; Lundberg, Ingrid E; Mandl, Peter; Moorthy, Arumugam; Panchal, Sonia; da Silva, José A P; Bijlsma, Johannes W
• Other Names: Collaku Ledio author non-byline.; Aroyan Armine author non-byline.; Radner Helga author non-byline.; Tushina Anastasyia author non-byline.; De Langhe Ellen author non-byline.; Sokolovic Sekib author non-byline.; Shumnalieva Russka author non-byline.; Baresic Marko author non-byline.; Senolt Ladislav author non-byline.; Holland-Fischer Mette author non-byline.; Kull Mart author non-byline.; Puolitaival Antti author non-byline.; Letsveridze Khatuna author non-byline.; Hueber Axel author non-byline.; Fanouriakis Antonis author non-byline.; MacMullan Paul author non-byline.; Rimar Doron author non-byline.; Bugatti Serena author non-byline.; Zepa Julija author non-byline.; Menasssa Jeanine author non-byline.; Karpec Diana author non-byline.; Misevska-Percinkova Snezana author non-byline.; Cassar Karen author non-byline.; Deseatnicova Elena author non-byline.; Tas Sander author non-byline.; Haavardsholm Espen author non-byline.; Sznajd Jan author non-byline.; Berghea Florian author non-byline.; Trifonova Elena author non-byline.; Jeremic Ivica author non-byline.; Mlynarikova Vanda author non-byline.; Frank-Bertoncelj Mojca author non-byline.; Chatzidionysiou Aikaterina author non-byline.; Dumusc Alexandre author non-byline.; Hatemi Gulen author non-byline.; Ozdemirel Erhan author non-byline.; Biliavska Iuliia author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 74:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 1183
• Page End: 1187
• Publication Date: 2015-03-06
• Subjects: Health services research -- Qualitative research -- Epidemiology; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206791
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To analyse the similarities and discrepancies between the official rheumatology specialty training programmes across Europe. Methods: A steering committee defined the main aspects of training to be assessed. In 2013, the rheumatology official training programmes were reviewed for each of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) countries and two local physicians independently extracted data on the structure of training, included competencies and assessments performed. Analyses were descriptive. Results: 41 of the 45 EULAR countries currently provide specialist training in rheumatology; in the remaining four rheumatologists are trained abroad. 36 (88%) had a single national curriculum, one country had two national curricula and four had only local or university-specific curricula. The mean length of training programmes in rheumatology was 45 (SD 19) months, ranging between 3 and 72 months. General internal medicine training was mandatory in 40 (98%) countries, and was performed prior to and/or during the rheumatology training programme (mean length: 33 (19) months). 33 (80%) countries had a formal final examination. Conclusions: Most European countries provide training in rheumatology, but the length, structure, contents and assessments of these training programmes are quite heterogeneous. In order to promote excellence in standards of care and to support physicians' mobility, a certain degree of harmonisation should be encouraged.