Continuing medical education in Europe - Trends and developments

Today, Europe still has to cope with the problem of a great diversity in the ratio of neurologists to population, and a notable variety of health care systems and CME requirements. Methods and rules, well functioning and accepted in one system (former USSR), are not suitable for the other. One of the initial aims of the task force was to collect and evaluate data on currently established CME systems, yet, realization was possible only to a certain extent (70%). An important pacemaker for the activities in the West is the UEMS, which also has affiliated countries. A suggestion for guidelines has been prepared by the EFNS Education Committee and is at present being considered by the members of the neurological section of the UEMS. Although the guidelines may not be applicable in every country they could provide a solid basis for future introduction of CME and for refinements and modifications within already introduced and practised standards. The task force for CME will continue activities related to specific fields of CME, above all promotion of novel media for CME and development of criteria for co-sponsorship of meetings by the EFNS. Case discussions as well as self-tuition programmes (written courses) should be instruments of first choice for CME activities. Moreover, the development of a programme of CME 'mini residencies' will be a major project, and the first approach will have to include in a clear definition of this term in order to provide a solid and feasible basis for all potential target groups. As to co-sponsorship of meetings, a suggestion for rules for co-sponsored meetings will be elaborated. The guidelines, in general, will be designed to ensure a high standard at meetings and would include the listing of such requirements as application procedures and accreditation/approval. We must not forget that CME is only a recent innovation in Europe, and more experience is necessary. It will, nevertheless, become an indispensible tool in keeping up with medical and technical progress and in ensuring high quality performance by European neurologists.