2024 updated European Heart Rhythm Association core curriculum for physicians and allied professionals: a statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Abstract

Heart rhythm management is a continuously evolving sub-speciality of cardiology. Every year, many physicians and allied professionals (APs) start and complete their training in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) or electrophysiology (EP) across the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) member countries. While this training ideally ends with an EHRA certification, the description of the learning pathway (what, how, when, and where) through an EHRA core curriculum is also a prerequisite for a successful training. The first EHRA core curriculum for physicians was published in 2009. Due to the huge developments in the field of EP and device therapy, this document needed updating. In addition, a certification process for APs has been introduced, as well as a recertification process and accreditation of EHRA recognized training centres. Learning pathways are more individualized now, with Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) to monitor learning progression of trainees. The 2024 updated EHRA core curriculum for physicians and APs describes, for both CIED and EP, the syllabus, OSATS, training programme and certification, and recertification for physicians and APs and stresses the importance of continued medical education after certification. In addition, requirements for accreditation of training centres and trainers are given. Finally, suggested reading lists for CIED and EP are attached as online supplements.

Keywords: Arrhythmias; Cardiac implantable electronic devices; Certification; Curriculum; Education; Invasive electrophysiology.

Figure 1

As trainees progress through their training, they acquire a greater level of autonomy. Simultaneously, trainers build confidence in the knowledge and skills of their trainees. This mutual process demands dedication from both parties. Trainers must commit to teaching and instructing and asses the knowledge and skills of trainees regularly to confirm that the trainees can be trusted to perform the professional activities at the expected level of independence. This figure is analogous to a similar figure in the ESC core curriculum. ESC, European Society of Cardiology.

Figure 2

Learning pathway of the heart rhythm specialist acquiring knowledge skills and attitudes culmination in EHRA certification. Thereafter, the certified heart rhythm specialist maintains these skills through continued medical education, working in the field(s) of cardiac implantable electronic devices and/or EP, and receiving regular multi-source feedback from colleagues. EHRA, European Heart Rhythm Association; EP, electrophysiology.