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Training in infectious diseases across europe in 2021 - A survey on training delivery, content and assessment. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1693.e1-1693.e8. [PMID: 34371206 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define the status of Infectious Diseases (ID) as an approved specialty in Europe; to enumerate the number of specialists (in general and in relation to the overall population) and specialist trainees and describe the content, delivery, and evaluation of postgraduate training in ID in different countries. METHODS Structured web-based questionnaire surveys in March 2021 of responsible national authorities, specialist societies and individual country representatives to the Section of Infectious Diseases of the European Union for Medical Specialties. Descriptive analysis of quantitative and qualitative responses. RESULTS In responses received from 33/35 (94.3%) countries, ID is recognised as a specialty in 24 and as a subspecialty of general internal medicine (GIM) in 8, but it is not recognised in Spain. The number of ID specialists per country varies from <5 per million inhabitants to 78 per million. Median length of training is 5 (IQR 4.0 - 6.0) years with variable amounts of preceding and/or concurrent GIM. Only 21.2% of countries (7/33) provide the minimum recommended training of 6 months in microbiology and 30% cover competencies such as palliative care, team working and leadership, audit, and quality control. Training is monitored by personal logbook or e-portfolio in 75% (25/33) and assessed by final exams in 69.7% (23/33) of countries, but yearly reviews with trainees only occur in 54.5% (18/33) of countries. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial gaps in modernisation of ID training in many countries to match current European Training Requirements. Joint training with clinical microbiology and in multidisciplinary team working should be extended. Training/monitoring trainers should find greater focus, together with regular feedback to trainees within many national training programmes.
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Training and assessment of medical specialists in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases in Europe. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1581-1588. [PMID: 34260952 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is wide variation in the availability and training of specialists in the diagnosis and management of infections across Europe. OBJECTIVES To describe and reflect on the current objectives, structure and content of European curricula and examinations for the training and assessment of medical specialists in Clinical (Medical) Microbiology (CM/MM) and Infectious Diseases (ID). SOURCES Narrative review of developments over the past two decades and related policy documents and scientific literature. CONTENT Responsibility for curricula and examinations lies with the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The ID Section of UEMS was inaugurated in 1997 and the MM Section separated from Laboratory Medicine in 2008. The sections collaborate closely with each other and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). Updated European Training Requirements (ETR) were approved for MM in 2017 and ID in 2018. These comprehensive curricula outline the framework for delivery of specialist training and quality control for trainers and training programmes, emphasizing the need for documented, regular formative reviews of progress of trainees. Competencies to be achieved include both specialty-related and generic knowledge, skills and professional behaviours. The indicative length of training is typically 5 years; a year of clinical training is mandated for CM/MM trainees and 6 months of microbiology laboratory training for ID trainees. Each Section is developing examinations using multiple choice questions to test the knowledge base defined in their ETR, to be delivered in 2022 following pilot examinations in 2021. IMPLICATIONS The revised ETRs and European examinations for medical specialists in CM/MM and ID provide benchmarks for national authorities to adapt or adopt locally. Through harmonization of postgraduate training and assessment, they support the promotion and recognition of high standards of clinical practice and hence improved care for patients throughout Europe, and improved mobility of trainees and specialists.
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Dellière S, Peiffer-Smadja N, João-Lopes M, Cevik M, Pichon M, Bleibtreu A, Schweitzer V, Last K, Ferreira TG, Lemaignen A, Barac A. Aims and challenges of building national trainee networks in clinical microbiology and infectious disease disciplines. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:687-695. [PMID: 34227395 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trainees represent the medical practice of tomorrow. Interactions and collaborations at the early stage in career will strengthen the future of our specialties, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. Trainee networks at the national level help access the best education and career opportunities. The aim of this collaborative white paper between the Trainee Association of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and four national trainee networks is to discuss the motivation for building such networks and offer guidance for their creation and sustainability even during a health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dellière
- Université de Paris, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nathan Peiffer-Smadja
- Université de Paris, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Bichat, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Maria João-Lopes
- Infectious & Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital Prof Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Muge Cevik
- Division of Infection & Global Health Research, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Maxime Pichon
- Infectious Agents Department, CHU de Poitiers, Bacteriology & Infection Control Laboratory, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, U1070 INSERM, Pharmacologie des Agents Anti-Infectieux, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandre Bleibtreu
- Infectious & Tropical Diseases Departement, Pitié Salpêtrière hospital, APHP-SU, Paris, France
| | - Valentijn Schweitzer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Last
- Institute of Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Théo G Ferreira
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Adrien Lemaignen
- Service de Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, CHRU de Tours, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Last K, Power NR, Dellière S, Velikov P, Šterbenc A, Antunovic IA, Lopes MJ, Schweitzer V, Barac A. Future developments in training. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1595-1600. [PMID: 34197928 PMCID: PMC8280350 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the value of highly skilled and extensively trained specialists in clinical microbiology (CM) and infectious diseases (ID). Training curricula in CM and ID must constantly evolve to prepare trainees for future pandemics and to allow trainees to reach their full clinical and academic potential. OBJECTIVES In this narrative review, we aim to outline necessary future adaptations in CM and ID training curricula and identify current structural barriers in training with the aim of discussing possibilities to address these shortcomings. SOURCES We reviewed literature from PubMed and included selected books and online publications as appropriate. There was no time constraint on the included publications. CONTENT Drawing from the lessons learnt during the pandemic, we summarize novel digital technologies relevant to CM and ID trainees and highlight interdisciplinary teamwork and networking skills as important competencies. We centre CM and ID training within the One Health framework and discuss gender inequalities and structural racism as barriers in both CM and ID training and patient care. IMPLICATIONS CM and ID trainees should receive training and support developing skills in novel digital technologies, leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork and networking. Equally important is the need for equity of opportunity, with firm commitments to end gender inequality and structural racism in CM and ID. Policy-makers and CM and ID societies should ensure that trainees are better equipped to achieve their professional goals and are better prepared for the challenges awaiting in their fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Last
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Nicholas R Power
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Setanta House, 1 Setanta Pl, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sarah Dellière
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Petar Velikov
- Infectious Diseases Hospital Prof. Ivan Kirov and Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anja Šterbenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Antal Antunovic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maria João Lopes
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Valentijn Schweitzer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Organization and training at national level of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control activities in Europe: an ESCMID cross-sectional survey. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:2061-2068. [PMID: 31396830 PMCID: PMC6800847 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and Infection prevention and control (IPC) are two key complementary strategies that combat development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The ESGAP (ESCMID Study Group for AMS), EUCIC (European Committee on Infection Control) and TAE (Trainee Association of ESCMID) investigated how AMS and IPC activities and training are organized, if present, at national level in Europe. From February 2018 to May 2018, an internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted through a 36-item questionnaire, involving up to three selected respondents per country, from 38 European countries in total (including Israel), belonging to the ESGAP/EUCIC/TAE networks. All 38 countries participated with at least one respondent, and a total of 81 respondents. Education and involvement in AMS programmes were mandatory during the postgraduate training of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases specialists in up to one-third of countries. IPC was acknowledged as a specialty in 32% of countries. Only 32% of countries had both guidance and national requirements regarding AMS programmes, in contrast to 61% for IPC. Formal national staffing standards for AMS and IPC hospital-based activities were present in 24% and 63% of countries, respectively. The backgrounds of professionals responsible for AMS and IPC programmes varied tremendously between countries. The organization and training of AMS and IPC in Europe are heterogeneous and national requirements for activities are frequently lacking.
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Meštrović T, Cevik M, Pinto TCA, Barać A, Servín-Garcidueñas LE, Ong DS. The Convergent Effect of International Collaboration between Young Leaders of Two Global Societies: Strengthening Microbiology Education and Training Practices Worldwide. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2019; 20:jmbe-20-27. [PMID: 31160928 PMCID: PMC6508899 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v20i1.1669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There has never been a more critical time than the present for young microbiologists to engage in continuous postgraduate education. Next-generation microbiologists need to integrate several scientific disciplines in the early stages of their careers to keep up with the ever-changing nature of microbiology (advent of high-throughput sequencing platforms, bioinformatics, complex omic, culture and systems-biology approaches) and to ensure timely response to the current global health and biodiversity threats. Here we propose that international collaboration of young experts would help to address the challenges in microbiology training and serve as a communication bridge between senior and early career scientists. To establish a one-of-a-kind collaboration, the Trainee Association (TAE) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the Young Leaders Circle (YLC) of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) have joined forces to adequately represent the interests of young members within the two largest societies in the field of microbiology. Through this partnership, both societies aim to promote continuous education for young scientists and the general public. Additionally, we intend to identify shared objectives and introduce joint activities that could lead to a beneficial exchange process for a long-lasting relationship. This partnership further contributes to advancing both the quality and quantity of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Meštrović
- Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology, Unit Polyclinic “Dr. Zora Profozić,” Zagreb, Croatia, and University Centre Varaždin, University North, Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Muge Cevik
- Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K., and University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K
| | - Tatiana Castro Abreu Pinto
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aleksandra Barać
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Luis E. Servín-Garcidueñas
- Laboratory of Microbiomics, National School of Higher Studies Morelia, National University of Mexico, Morelia, Mexico
| | - David S.Y. Ong
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, and Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Franciscus Gasthuis and Vlietland, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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