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Bartoletti M, Bussini L, Bavaro DF, Cento V. What do clinicians mean by epidemics' preparedness. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:586-591. [PMID: 37327873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious disease pandemics and epidemics pose significant global threats, and the risk of emerging infectious diseases has increased because of factors such as international connections, travel, and population density. Despite investments in global health surveillance, much of the world remains unprepared to manage infectious disease threats. OBJECTIVES This review article discusses the general considerations and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of epidemic preparedness. SOURCES Non-systematic search on PubMed, scientific society websites, and scientific newspapers (performed in April 2023). CONTENT Key factors for preparedness include robust public health infrastructure, adequate allocation of resources, and effective communication between stakeholders. This narrative review emphasizes the need for timely and accurate dissemination of medical knowledge, as well as addressing the challenges of misinformation and infodemics. It also highlights the importance of quick availability of diagnostic tests and vaccines, ensuring equitable access to these technologies. The role of scientific coordination in developing treatment strategies and the safety and mental well-being of healthcare workers are discussed. Lastly, it should be emphasized the need for medical training, multidisciplinary teams, new technologies and artificial intelligence, and the active role of infectious disease physicians in epidemic preparedness efforts. IMPLICATIONS From clinicians' perspective, healthcare authorities play a crucial role in epidemic preparedness even by providing resource management plans, ensuring availability of essential supplies and training, facilitating communication, and improving safe infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bartoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Linda Bussini
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Fiore Bavaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Cento
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; Microbiology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Maamari J, Chen Z, Motairek I, Al-Kindi S, Fleisher J. Mapping Proximity to Infectious Disease Physicians Across the United States. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae208. [PMID: 38737425 PMCID: PMC11088353 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Enduring shortages of infectious disease physicians across the United States continue despite efforts to mitigate the problem. The recent fellowship match results underscore the difficulty in rectifying that shortage. Our report sheds light on the current geographic distribution of US infectious disease physicians and highlights the challenges faced by rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Maamari
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center—A Boston University Teaching Hospital, Brighton, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, and School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Issam Motairek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sadeer Al-Kindi
- Department of Cardiology, DeBakey Heart & Vascular Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jorge Fleisher
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center—A Boston University Teaching Hospital, Brighton, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center—A Boston University Teaching Hospital, Brighton, Massachusetts, USA
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Rutz J, Naendrup JH, Bruns C, Classen AY, Salmanton-García J, Seifert H, Sprute R, Stemler J, Walker SV, Cornely OA, Liss BJ, Mellinghoff SC. Individual and institutional predisposing factors of MRSA surgical site infection and outcomes-a retrospective case-control-study in 14 European high-volume surgical centres. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlae046. [PMID: 38577701 PMCID: PMC10993902 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess incidence rates of surgical site infections (SSI) by MRSA and to determine related factors and clinical outcome compared to MSSA, including country-specific, institutional and patient determinants. Patients and methods We performed a subgroup analysis of the Europe-wide SALT (NCT03353532) study population with MRSA SSI from 14 centres in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Results An overall MRSA SSI incidence of 0.06% (n = 104) was found in 178 903 patients undergoing invasive surgery in 2016. Frequently observed comorbidities were chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetes and solid tumours. Compared to the overall MRSA SSI incidence, incidence rates were significantly higher in Spain (58 of 67 934 cases) and lower in Germany (16 of 46 443 cases; both P < 0.05). Centres with antibiotic stewardship (ABS) and infectious disease (ID) consultation programmes (n = 3/14) had lower MRSA rates (17 of 43 556 cases versus 61 of 83 048 cases, P < 0.05). In bivariate analyses, MRSA SSI patients were significantly older, had higher BMI and more comorbidities compared to MSSA (P < 0.05 each). Surgery performed between 6:00 and 12:00 pm led to higher MRSA proportions among S. aureus SSI (17 of 104 cases versus 62 of 640 cases, P < 0.05). Conclusions This study shows low overall and country-specific incidence rates of MRSA SSI in Europe. We could show significant differences between countries as well as between centres with established ABS and ID consultation programmes were observed. The number of those programmes seems too small against this background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jule Rutz
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Naendrup
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Caroline Bruns
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Y Classen
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jon Salmanton-García
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Harald Seifert
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rosanne Sprute
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jannik Stemler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sarah V Walker
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Blasius J Liss
- HELIOS University Clinic of Wuppertal, Department of Haematology, Oncology, Palliative Care and Infectious Disease, Wuppertal, Germany
- University of Witten, Faculty of Health, Witten, Germany
| | - Sibylle C Mellinghoff
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Centre for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Cao YX, Xia SL, Zhu ZY, Zeng FR, Li HN, Zhang TT, Liu YJ. Exploring lemology teaching with "internet plus" flipped classroom pedagogy. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:341. [PMID: 37193976 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the use of flipped classroom pedagogy based on "Internet plus" in teaching viral hepatitis in the lemology course during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS This study included students from the clinical medicine general practitioner class at Nanjing Medical University's Kangda College, with the observation group consisting of 67 students from the 2020-2021 school year and the control group consisting of 70 students from the 2019-2020 school year. The observation group used "Internet plus" flipped classroom pedagogy, while the control group used conventional offline instruction. The theory course and case analysis ability scores from the two groups were compared and analyzed, and questionnaire surveys were administered to the observation group. RESULT After the flipped classroom, the observation group had significantly higher theoretical test scores (38.62 ± 4.52) and case analysis ability scores (21.08 ± 3.58) than the control group (37.37 ± 2.43) (t = 2.024, P = 0.045) and (19.16 ± 1.15) (t = 4.254, P < 0.001), respectively. The questionnaire survey in the observation group revealed that the "Internet plus" flipped classroom pedagogy approach can help enhance students' enthusiasm to learn, clinical thinking ability, practical application ability, and learning efficiency, with satisfaction rates of 81.7%, 85.0%, 83.3%, and 78.8%, respectively; 89.4% of students expressed hope that whenever physical classes resumed, the offline courses could be combined with this pedagogy approach. CONCLUSION The use of the "Internet plus" flipped classroom pedagogy technique for teaching viral hepatitis in a lemology course boosted students' theory learning ability as well as their case analysis ability. The majority of students were pleased with this type of instruction and hoped that whenever physical classes resumed, the offline courses may be integrated with the "Internet plus" flipped classroom pedagogical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Cao
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Shu-Lin Xia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Affiliated Taixing People's Hospital of Yangzhou University, Taixing, 225499, China
| | - Zheng-Yun Zhu
- Department of Infection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222002, China
| | - Fan-Rong Zeng
- Department of Infection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222002, China
| | - Hai-Ning Li
- Department of Medical Technology, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Infection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222002, China.
| | - Yong-Juan Liu
- Central laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 Zhenhua Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222002, China.
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Bischoff J, Schneitler V, Duettmann W, Fuchs A, Schneitler S. The state of infectious disease training in Germany before introduction of the new board certification in internal medicine and infectious diseases: past experience and future expectations. Infection 2023; 51:589-598. [PMID: 37067755 PMCID: PMC10106872 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, the German Medical Association introduced a new board certification in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ID). Accompanying, current experience with ID training and expectations for the new curriculum were assessed. METHODS After the development of a digital survey covering four main areas with 59 questions, it was distributed via the German Society for Infectious Diseases (DGI) and other networks following a snowball principle. Participation was carried out digitally in a web-based application. RESULTS Between December 2021 and February 2022, 300 datasets were included. 38.9% (114/293) of respondents had completed the additional training in ID. Of those, 54.0% (61/113) were concerned about recognition of previous training certification in the future after the establishment of the new sub-specialization. Overall, 78.5% (135/172) of respondents were satisfied or rather satisfied with the qualification gained through their training, but 8.7% (15/172) felt poorly prepared by their ID training. With regard to the inclusion of microbiology or antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) training into the new ID training curriculum, 84.6% (254/300) and 87.7% (263/300) of participants, respectively, desired an integration. Only 30.8% (53/172) felt sufficiently supported by their employer regarding childcare and 51.7% (89/172) reported missing support for scientific commitment. CONCLUSION Overall, ID training in Germany seems satisfactory so far, but there is uncertainty about future recognition. Participants find that AMS and microbiology training should be integrated into new ID training curricula. New concepts regarding the compatibility of childcare and career as well as the support of scientific commitment seem essential to attract young professionals to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bischoff
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Viktoria Schneitler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Clinic for Pneumology and Allergology, Center of Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Care, Institute of Pneumology at the University of Cologne, Bethanien Hospital, Aufderhöher Str. 167, 42699, Solingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Duettmann
- Berlin Institute of Health, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andre Fuchs
- Internal Medicine III - Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Schneitler
- Clinic for Pneumology and Allergology, Center of Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Care, Institute of Pneumology at the University of Cologne, Bethanien Hospital, Aufderhöher Str. 167, 42699, Solingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Bodilsen J, Tattevin P, Tong SYC, Naucler P, Nielsen H. Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Meningitis: A Survey Among Infectious Diseases Specialists in France, Sweden, Australia, and Denmark. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac644. [PMID: 36570969 PMCID: PMC9772874 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to describe attitudes toward treatment of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis and prioritize future trials. Methods This was a self-administered online survey of HSV-2 meningitis treatment among infectious diseases (ID) specialists in France, Sweden, Australia, and Denmark. Results A total of 223 ID specialists (45% female) from France (36%), Denmark (24%), Sweden (21%), and Australia (19%) participated in the survey, primarily from university hospitals (64%). The estimated overall response rate was 11% and ranged from 6% (Australia) to 64% (Denmark). Intravenous (IV) acyclovir followed by oral valacyclovir was the favored treatment in 110 of 179 (61%), whereas monotherapy with either IV acyclovir or oral valacyclovir was used by 35 of 179 (20%) and 34 of 179 (19%), respectively. The median total duration was reported to be 7 days (interquartile range, 7-10 days) regardless of antiviral regimen. Immunocompromise influenced decisions on antiviral treatment in 110 of 189 (58%) of respondents, mainly by prolonged total duration of treatment (36/110 [33%]), prolonged IV administration (31/110 [28%]), and mandatory antiviral treatment (25/110 [23%]). Treatment with acyclovir/valacyclovir versus placebo and comparison of acyclovir versus valacyclovir were assigned the highest prioritization scores for future randomized controlled trials on HSV-2 meningitis. Conclusions Perceptions of indications for as well as type and duration of antiviral treatment varied substantially among ID specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bodilsen
- Correspondence: Jacob Bodilsen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ()
| | - Pierre Tattevin
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Study Group for Infectious Diseases of the Brain, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Infectious Diseases and Intensive Care Unit, Pontchaillou University Hospital, Rennes, France,Réseau National de Recherche Clinique en Infectiologie, Paris, France
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pontus Naucler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Schneitler S, Seebacher J, Matos FB, Aktar I, Lantwin P, Archodoulakis A, Adamczick C, Becker SL, James R. Awareness and perceptions of medical students and doctors regarding Tropical Medicine education and training in Europe: An international, online-based survey. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 48:102323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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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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Allerberger F. Training in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases in Europe. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1575. [PMID: 34116203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Allerberger
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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