title: A competency framework in cardiothoracic surgery for training and revalidation - an international comparison.
abstract: The conventional methods of education, certification and recertification in cardiothoracic surgery face a paradigm shift in line with recent innovations in diagnostics and therapeutics. The attributes of a competent clinician entail proficiency in knowledge, communication, teamwork, management, health advocacy, professionalism and technical skills. This article investigates the skills required for a cardiothoracic surgeon to be competent. The relevant practice of certification and recertification across various regions has also been explored. Validated and competency-based curricula should be designed to develop core competencies to successfully integrate them into practice. Challenges to the implementation of such curricula and potential solutions are explored. Patient safety remains the ultimate aim to ensure excellence of both competency and performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Tim T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Vanash M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Leanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harling
authors.forename: Muhammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jawad
authors.forename: Ara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
authors.forename: Ludwig Karl
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: von Segesser
authors.forename: Thanos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Athanasiou
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000193:education*