European postgraduate curriculum in geriatric medicine developed using an international modified Delphi technique

Abstract

Backgroundthe European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-GMS) recommendations for training in Geriatric Medicine were published in 1993. The practice of Geriatric Medicine has developed considerably since then and it has therefore become necessary to update these recommendations.Methodsunder the auspices of the UEMS-GMS, the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) and the European Academy of Medicine of Ageing (EAMA), a group of experts, representing all member states of the respective bodies developed a new framework for education and training of specialists in Geriatric Medicine using a modified Delphi technique. Thirty-two expert panel members from 30 different countries participated in the process comprising three Delphi rounds for consensus. The process was led by five facilitators.Resultsthe final recommendations include four different domains: ‘General Considerations’ on the structure and aim of the syllabus as well as quality indicators for training (6 sub-items), ‘Knowledge in patient care’ (36 sub-items), ‘Additional Skills and Attitude required for a Geriatrician’ (9 sub-items) and a domain on ‘Assessment of postgraduate education: which items are important for the transnational comparison process’ (1 item).Conclusionthe current publication describes the development of the new recommendations endorsed by UEMS-GMS, EuGMS and EAMA as minimum training requirements to become a geriatrician at specialist level in EU member states.

Geriatric care in European countries where geriatric medicine is still emerging

“…A comprehensive and analytical European template for the undergraduate training in geriatric medicine is currently available [13] and another European template for the development of a postgraduate curriculum in geriatric medicine is in our hands [14]. These two tools are important for geriatric training across Europe and broader region.…”

Diet and Exercise for FRAILty (DEFRAIL): protocol for a study to examine the effect of a novel community-based group exercise and nutritional intervention, designed to reverse frailty in older adults

“…This is 'a well-recognised consensus method used to determine the extent of agreement on an issue'. 22 The aim was During the introductory meeting, the current evidence base was presented to attendees, along with an initial draft exercise programme, to provide a basis for discussion. Areas where a lack of clear evidence existed were highlighted and discussed.…”

“…This is ‘a well-recognised consensus method used to determine the extent of agreement on an issue’. 22 The aim was to design a programme of exercise and protein supplementation by expert consensus that would be (1) acceptable to individuals across a range of degrees of frailty, (2) deliverable by non-specialists in a non-clinical setting as a group class and (3) effective at reversing frailty. This approach allowed us to combine the available evidence-base with clinical experience from a range of relevant disciplines, including Geriatric Medicine, Sport and Exercise Science, General Practice, Sports Medicine, Geriatric Nursing, Physiotherapy and Nutrition and Dietetics (see acknowledgements for details).…”

A European Research Agenda for Geriatric Emergency Medicine: a modified Delphi study

“…The development of a research agenda on GEM at a European level is a joint initiative of the European Society for Emergency Medicine GEM section (EUSEM GEM section) and the European Geriatric Medicine Society GEM Special Interest Group (EuGMS GEM SIG). The Delphi method is an acknowledged consensus method used for determining the extent of agreement on a certain topic [ 6 ]. This two-stage modified Delphi method was derived from the PREDICT prioritisation study by Deane et al [ 7 ].…”