Continuing education curriculum and examination regulations "Qualified assistants special rhythmology"

The treatment of patients with cardiac arrhythmia is of increasing importance. In addition to symptomatic treatment, a reduction in mortality can be achieved today by treating cardiac arrhythmias. The preparation, implementation and follow-up of electrophysiological interventions and the implantation of cardiac implantable electric devices (CIED) as well as the aftercare of the patients, is carried out in a team consisting of allied professionals, assistants, nursing staff and doctors. The present curriculum "Qualified assistants special rhythmology" is intended to ensure and optimize the quality of patient care, to offer medical staff a structured training program based on the standards of continuous learning and to offer an objective qualification opportunity which supports the career in the field of allied professionals and nursing. The aim is to create transparency and awareness of the necessary competencies of the assistant and nursing staff in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and rhythmology and to make this professional field better known and more attractive. In addition to professional qualifications, personal, communicative, methodological, and social skills are also addressed in the program. The curriculum is the basis and guideline for providers of continuing education courses and describes the requirements that must be met to obtain the certificate "Qualified assistants special rhythmology" from the German Society of Cardiology. The curriculum should aim to not only improve quality criteria but also in the medium term to enable a higher classification of assistant and nursing staff according to their qualifications.