European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (EACTA) Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia Fellowship Curriculum: First Edition

Education in thoracic anesthesia. Lessons learned from the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology (EACTA) programs

“…[ 2 ] During the period from 2018 to April 2019, the EACTA Education Committee and the Board of Directors (BoD) developed regulatory rules and well-structured curriculum for the basic and advanced fellowship training programs in thoracic anesthesia. [ 3 ]…”

“…In 2017, the program directors at the six accredited hosting centers at that time, the members from the nine EACTA Subspecialty Committees, BoD, and advisory educational leads have extensive discussions over a 36-months period to develop a consensus on the basic and advanced training required to master cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. [ 3 ] In the light of unavailable supporting studies, an expert consensus shows levels of agreement on a minimum training rotation for a 1.5-month period or performing a minimum of 25 thoracic cases is needed to show a basic competency in thoracic anesthesia. Additional “optional” advanced training for 3 to 6 months is required to show advanced competency levels.…”

“…Additional “optional” advanced training for 3 to 6 months is required to show advanced competency levels. [ 3 ]…”

Interruption of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology (EACTA) Fellowship Program During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Consequences and Solutions

“…EACTA recently issued new guidelines for its CVTA fellowship. 3 In some participating countries, the number of people infected with has not yet reached a plateau, and in others it is likely that after an initial depression, a second wave of COVID-19 infection will come. Because of the restrictions on public life and healthcare around Europe, it is to be expected that the clinical, scientific, and educational training segments of the current EACTA CTVA fellowship cannot be completed as initially planned.…”

“…It is unlikely that CVTA fellowship program directors will have the opportunity to perform quarterly assessments of fellows and to produce the 3 monthly reports required by the curriculum. 3 It even may be impossible to provide direct assessment and debriefing for the fellows during their clinical shifts in the ICU/IMC, which may last for up to 12 hours. Moreover, staff members and program directors additionally may be involved in time-consuming activities related to crisis management.…”