A harmonized European training syllabus for thoracic surgery: report from the ESTS–ERS task force†

Abstract

Training of European thoracic surgeons is subject to huge variations in terms of length of training, content of training and operative experience during training. Harmonization of training outcomes has been approached by creating the European Board of Thoracic Surgery, which has been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS); however, a clear description of the content of training is lacking. Building on their recognized experience with curriculum building, task forces of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgery agreed on a joint task force on training in thoracic surgery. The goal of this study is to report on the mission statement developed from the UEMS-driven survey, describe the Delphi method and the observed results and present the first large consensus-based syllabus. The working group is currently working on a description of the curriculum and assessment of learning outcomes.

Training curriculum for European thoracic surgeons: a joint initiative of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Respiratory Society

“…In the most recent issue of the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the joint task force group on training in thoracic surgery, set up by both the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), has published the core document describing the recommended training curriculum [1]. This document takes its roots from the European syllabus published in 2018 [2,3]. According to a methodology validated by education scientists, the working group has described, for each item, the expected level of competence in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes, listed possible learning resources, and recommended appropriate tools for assessment of learning outcomes [4].…”

“…The curriculum document stands for thoracic surgery alone, knowing, however, that in many countries, other aspects of surgery are included in the training requirements. In at least seven European countries, the specialty certificate is entitled "thoracic and cardiovascular surgery", implicating that part of the training requires rotations through cardiovascular surgical units [2]. Many countries mandate exposure to general surgery, favouring some surgical "general culture" against early over-specialisation [2].…”

“…In at least seven European countries, the specialty certificate is entitled "thoracic and cardiovascular surgery", implicating that part of the training requires rotations through cardiovascular surgical units [2]. Many countries mandate exposure to general surgery, favouring some surgical "general culture" against early over-specialisation [2]. Last but not least, isolated modules, or groups of items may be utilised for continuing professional development by certified thoracic surgeons.…”

“…As opposed to North America, each European state applies its own laws and regulations. Accordingly, the name of the specialty, the certifying body, the length and content of training differ from one country to another [2]. In the context of mutual recognition of professional qualifications between European Union member states, which favours European mobility of surgeons, harmonisation of training programmes and training outcomes is desirable to guarantee equal quality of care to all patients [11].…”

A harmonised European training syllabus for thoracic surgery: report from the ESTS/ERS task force group

“…The task force group has now published the recently acquired consensual European syllabus for thoracic surgery in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery [10]. The syllabus is presented in three parts.…”