Education Post-Graduate Certification in Neuromodulation and Pain Management (PGCERT) - University Accreditation in Neuromodulation.
No Thumbnail Available
All Authors
Poply K.
Russo M.
Fitzgerald J.
Gulve A.
Baranidharan G.
Elsayed A.A.
Patel K.
Gilligan C.
Rigoard P.
Kallewaard J.W.
LTHT Author
Baranidharan, Ganesan
LTHT Department
Adult Critical Care
Pain Management
Neuromodulation
Pain Management
Neuromodulation
Non Medic
Publication Date
2024
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
UNITED KINGDOM , EDUCATION , EDUCATION, MEDICAL, GRADUATE , CURRICULUM , PAIN MANAGEMENT
Subject Headings
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Education in neuromodulation has traditionally been a combination of isolated peer proctored teaching and industry funded cadaver workshops, resulting in limited exposure and unrecognised bias in techniques and subsequent therapy choice. There is a distinct need for unbiased, curriculum-based accreditation. NANS and INS have advocated a structured curriculum that maps the domains necessary for standardising education. AIMS: We present a university accredited portfolio of neuromodulation education free of industry bias; aiming to establish a standard of education in neuromodulation and pain management by offering university accreditation and postgraduate qualification tophysicians, specialist nurses, field clinical-engineers and aspiring neuromodulation team members. METHOD(S): An education board was created to define and oversee the curriculum, program development, assessments and standard setting methodology for all modules - ensuring alignment with the domains of neuromodulation practice. This followed the delivery of two pilot CEPD programs in 2021 (Executive Education in Neuromodulation) that were both academically deliverable and financially sustainable. University approval through Queen Mary University, London was obtained through a rigorous governance process. Our program has received approval from INS, NANS and NSUKI. The program consists of 4 modules (60 credits, 80 hours of didactic teaching delivered over 2 semesters). The program is comprised of online synchronous and asynchronous learning, designed to fit around students in full-time employment, allowing achievement of a qualification in one academic year through part-time study. The modules are 'Anatomy and Neurophysiology', 'Patient Care and Procedurals Skills', 'Devices and Available Technology', and 'Intrathecal Drug Delivery for Cancer and Non-Cancer Pain'. Each module is taught online over 3 days and assessed via 2500-word assignment. Each module has 4 weeks of self-learning and 8 hours of mentorship to ensure successful engagement with the program. The program awards PGCert (Neuromodulation and Pain Management) post-nominal. RESULT(S): The first ever university-accredited postgraduate qualification in neuromodulation was delivered in 2022-23. The 2022-23 program had 34 applicants. 21 applicants were offered a place - 17 of these undertook the qualification (UK 11, India 3, Belgium 2, Ireland 1) - 13 candidates were physicians and 4 were field clinical engineers. The 2022-23 cycle resulted in 12 candidates achieving distinctions, 2 candidates achieving merits, 2 candidates resitting their exams and 1 candidate deferring until the next PGCert cycle. Lectures were delivered by the PGCert faculty which consists of 24 Key Opinion Leaders across Australia, Europe, Middle East, US and the UK. CONCLUSION(S): The postgraduate certification in neuromodulation aims to deliver a structured education, while setting and reviewing standards and competencies for best practice with its diverse educational content, expert international faculty and strict university governance. The executive KOL board aims to provide leadership and direction to the program to ensure an effective and integrated neuromodulation education portfolio.
Journal
British Journal of Pain