EuroPCR is undergoing rapid, continuous development. What are the newsworthy aspects of EuroPCR 2008?
The scientific programme of EuroPCR is showing a progressive evolution. Although the core of EuroPCR remains based on the solid grounds from the past, we keep in close touch with the attendees year after year, and the Course programme is therefore built in response to their educational needs and expectations.
In 2008 the collaboration of surgeons and interventionalists consolidates the Courses’ patient-centred team approach. The scientific programme is devised by the Board of Directors with the involvement of the EAPCI members, the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery, the Transcatheter Valve Symposium (TVS) and the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (EACTS). On the peripheral side, the vascular surgeons have united with the peripheral team to bring the programme together in both a pro-active and positive way.
Your ‘Learning the technique with Jean Marco’ sessions at EuroPCR 2007 were very successful. What did YOU learn from these sessions? Will there be any changes for EuroPCR 2008?
The educative objective of these sessions relies on the fusion of the pedagogic skills of experienced practitioners and input from younger practitioners. These highly innovative and interactive sessions are based on a step-by-step decision-making process, and proved a success in 2007 – providing younger – and more experienced physicians with the necessary tools for good decision-making. In view of last year’s success, we have increased this part of the programme significantly.
In 2008, the Learning the Techniques concept will not only include a basic introductory session on Tuesday 13 May 2008, coronary sessions with Jean Fajadet and myself, but also sessions on carotid stenting with Alberto Cremonesi and patent foramen ovale closure with Eric Eeckhout.
What are the main goals of the Education Committee of the EAPCI that you chair?
Education is a three-fold process that should cover knowledge, judgment and technical skills. These three elements are the basis of our daily practices, and the building blocks for good patient care.
The role of the Education Committee is to bring together and work with the National Working Groups and Societies, as well as industry partners based on a clearly defined code of conduct.
Training must be linked to curriculum, and provide younger practitioners with the tools that will allow them to understand the overwhelming amount of information we receive (results, trials, registries), how to implement these into their daily decision-making process for each individual patient, the correct selection of tools, overcoming difficulties, avoiding complications, device choice – right through to patient follow-up.
The Learning the Techniques sessions at EuroPCR are conceived with these objectives in mind.
How can we further improve Interventional Training in Europe?
Our credo for 2008, "Together we achieve more", also applies to how we can best contribute to improving interventional training. Our vision is that by sharing and learning from each other, we work towards the ultimate of medical ethics: consensus in action toward improved patient outcomes.
Through strong collaborations, we have gained expertise and credibility, and have established a solid network with training centres and experts in the field of interventional cardiology worldwide.
Today, improving interventional training also means extending this philosophy across new and ongoing collaborations: educate, inform and share.