Implementation of a specialist qualification in emergency medicine - do we now have uniform requirements in Germany?

Reifferscheid F, Harding U, Dorges V, Knacke P, Wirtz S

Abstract

Background: With the aim of providing higher quality pre-hospital emergency care the German Medical Association reformed the specialist qualification programme in emergency medicine and defined a relevant curriculum. The present article analyses to what extend this new curriculum has been adopted by the 17 State Chambers of Physicians in Germany. Methods: All State Chambers of Physicians in Germany were invited to complete a standardised questionnaire regarding the requirements to be met by physicians wishing to work in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. Additional data was requested regarding the applicants' clinical experience, training in critical care, and the duration and requirements for practical training in emergency medicine. State Chambers that failed to return the questionnaire were contacted by telephone. Results: Eight State Chambers returned the completed questionnaire, and the relevant information from the other states was obtained by telephone interview as well as from a synopsis provided by the German Medical Association. Twelve State Chambers offer only the new curriculum whilst five offer both the old and new curriculum. Differences in the requirements for admission to the curriculum can be found with regard to the duration of clinical experience and practical training including the number of patients treated, and admission to the final exam. Conclusions: The new curriculum was introduced in order to create a uniform level of education for emergency physicians. However, in 2009 the qualification of emergency physicians remains heterogeneous: the new curriculum is mandatory only in some states, and official recognition of physicians who were trained in accordance with the old curriculum differs from state to state.