CME
The importance of continuing medical education (CME) for all medical professionals has been recognized for several years. In order to introduce a quality standard for international CME offered to cardiologists in Europe the ESC in a joint initiative with the European Union of Medical Specialists - Cardiology Section (UEMS CS) created a European Board for Accreditation in Cardiology (EBAC). The EBAC Board comprises seven highly experienced practising cardiologists with expertise across the spectrum of ESC Core Syllabus topics and medical education. Detailed information about EBAC and about which countries recognize EBAC accreditation can be found on the EBAC website.
EBAC has defined and introduced a simple and permanent accreditation system for cardiology-related CME activities based on European (EACCME) quality standards. Accreditation by EBAC assures the cardiologists of the quality and independence of a particular CME activity allowing the cardiologists to make better choices when deciding on which CME activity to pursue. Credits are awarded by EBAC according to a points system and the credits are widely recognized by local and national CME authorities.
The content of The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine has been submitted to EBAC for accreditation and individual chapters are being reviewed on an ongoing basis. Chapters which have been accredited by EBAC are indicated in the contents list of the book and at the beginning and end of each chapter. Anyone wishing to apply for credits for having studied an accredited chapter must successfully complete an automated MCQ assessment at the end of each chapter. The minimum pass mark is 60% but tests may be taken again if this is not achieved.
Those successfully completing a test will be offered the opportunity to download an EBAC certificate stating the name of the person, details of the CME activity, points obtained and date completed. This certificate can be presented to national CME bodies, which recognize EBAC to have the CME points credited.