Training in Pacing

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, training to be a competent implanter of cardiac electrical implantable devices (CEID) and expert in post-implant clinical and technical management has taken a more structured format than previously. However, there are still significant variations on the degree of formality from country to country! Perhaps the most formalized regulations on training come from the USA and these will be presented first. Although the European Society of Cardiology has published guidelines for pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy, there are none specific to training in pacing. In the UK, most large specialist or tertiary referral centers which boast a large and advanced pacing/device implant and monitoring service will be responsible for teaching specialist fellows or registrars all aspects of cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmias, pacemaker, and other device implantation as well as the basic techniques for interrogation, programming, and surveillance of pacemakers and ICDs. The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) in the UK has produced a detailed document on the training requirements for those pursuing a specialist career in pacing. Elsewhere in the world, for example, Australasia, less detailed guidelines have been published by a Specialist Advisory Committee.