OP32 Modernising Hepatology training: An international comparison of the current and new 2022 UK Hepatology curriculum. (20th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yin, James Liu; Griffiths, William; Shawcross, Debbie; Heneghan, Michael; Ala, Aftab
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 71(2022)Supplement 3
• Page Start: A28
• Page End: A28
• Publication Date: 2022-09-20
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-BASL.45
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The last Gastroenterology training curriculum was published in 2010 with amendments made in 2013, forming the basis for Hepatology training in the UK. Hepatology was established with a specific national training scheme in 2004 and later formally recognised by the Royal College of Physicians in 2005 as a sub-speciality. Internationally there are significant collaborations in Hepatology with the development of guidelines and research. In parts of Europe there is a shared common curriculum as well as exit examination for Hepatology trainees. We compared international Hepatology curriculae with the 2022 and current UK curriculum to assess key similarities and whether proposed training can be standardised as a model to an international level. Methods: We reviewed current adult curriculums which are available from national training programmes or local centres in the United Kingdom, North America, Australia and India. We compared qualifications, length of training, application system, procedural competency, assessment and curriculum competencies. Results: Key differences between the 2022 and current curriculum are the inclusion of updated conditions (e.g acute on chronic liver failure), emphasis on palliative care in end stage liver disease, knowledge of mechanisms required in care (e.g Operational delivery networks) and removal of specific experience of patients in level3 care. It also shifts the focus of assessment to evaluate competencies in practice. All countries except India require Gastroenterology training and only the UK, USA and India have national applications. The length of time of fellowships ranges from 12 to 36 months and currently only the USA and India have Hepatology specific exit examinations. The new 2022 UK curriculum is similar in nature to that in the USA, Canada, Australia and India. These curriculae all share the majority of core components with subtle differences. Procedural competencies have not changed and still comprise paracentesis without the inclusion of biopsy or ultrasound that are still required in other countries. Conclusion: The new 2022 UK Hepatology curriculum encompasses previous core components but is more descriptive in the training requirements, including the need to understand how the NHS system delivers treatment, modern terminology and highlights the need for health promotion. This curriculum is in keeping with other current international curriculae and whilst it is not as prescriptive as the US curriculum, it is similar in design to other countries. By building on existing principles and updating them, it should help create a training system which will keep trainees' knowledge, competitive with their international counterparts.