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Three Decades of Continuous Medical Education in Neuromodulation: The Strategic Evolution of the European Continuing
Maarten Moens1, Koen Putman2, Annette Villumsen3
1STIMULUS Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Cluster Neurosciences, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Pain in Motion (PAIN) Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; European Continuing Medical Training (ECMT), Waasmunster, Belgium.
Background:
CME, or Continuing Professional Development, is essential for maintaining clinical competence and delivering evidence-based care. Rapid advances in neuromodulation, spanning medicine, engineering, and neuroscience create an ongoing need for specialized training. Founded in 1995, the European Continuing Medical Training (ECMT) organization offers an independent, ethically grounded model of education in this field. This study describes the strategic development, implementation, and outcomes of ECMT's programs over three decades.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of ECMT internal data, program records, participant evaluations, and accreditation documents from 1995 to 2025. Quantitative metrics (course counts, participant numbers, and Net Promoter Scores [NPS]) assessed activity volume and satisfaction. Qualitative content analysis of strategic plans, stakeholder feedback, and policy changes identified key trends and adaptation strategies.
Results:
Since 1995, ECMT has delivered 637 courses to approximately 10,000 physicians globally, covering spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery, sacral nerve modulation, and other neuromodulation therapies. Participation stayed stable over time, including during the COVID-19 shift from in-person to hybrid and virtual formats. The overall median NPS was 81.5 (interquartile range 71.75-93), indicating consistently high satisfaction. After 2018 regulatory changes, ECMT moved from European-level to national accreditation while preserving independent certification. The Accelerated Fellows' Program, launched in 2019, strengthened blended learning and mentorship for neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists.
Conclusions:
Across three decades, ECMT has become a leading platform for independent, high-quality education in neuromodulation and neuroscience. Its sustained output and high satisfaction illustrate how mission-driven, nonprofit CME providers can adapt to technologic change, regulatory shifts, and global disruptions while maintaining educational quality and impact. Continued innovation in blended learning and strategic collaborations will support ECMT's ongoing contribution to lifelong medical learning and clinical excellence.
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