Proposals for future training in interventional paediatric cardiology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cardiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Medical training is evolving from apprenticeship to structured programs.
• Shorter generalist consultant training necessitates focused subspecialty programs.
• Subspecialty training must efficiently develop skills for future consultant practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new, structured training scheme for interventional pediatric cardiology.
• To serve as a template for future subspecialty training models.
• To define competency-based training levels and curricula.

Main Methods:

• Proposal of a three-level training scheme: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
• Development of curricula detailing required skills for each level.
• Emphasis on objective assessment methods to evaluate trainee competence, moving beyond logbooks.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme outlines distinct training pathways for diagnostic and interventional pediatric cardiology.
• Curricula specify skills for basic, intermediate (diagnostic catheterization, basic intervention), and advanced (complex interventions) levels.
• Objective assessment methods are recommended to supersede traditional procedural logbooks.

Conclusions:

• The proposed interventional pediatric cardiology training scheme offers a structured, competency-based approach.
• This model prioritizes trainee educational needs over service demands for efficient skill development.
• Objective assessment is crucial for ensuring high standards in subspecialty training.