UEMS Charters on CME-CPD and training for medical specialists
In 1993, the ``Charter on Training of Medical Specialists`` in the European Community (EC) was adopted by UEMS Council. This Charter forms a framework for harmonisation of postgraduate specialist training in the EU in each specialty.
European Training Charter For Medical Specialists
After the adoption of the Charter on postgraduate training, UEMS Specialist Sections and 2 Subsections went to work to specify the training needs in their specialty within the framework of chapter 6 of the Charter. This huge task was completed in 1995 and the present ``European Training Charter for Medical Specialists`` gives a complete picture of the consensus on training programmes that has been reached within the medical specialist profession in the European Union.
Charter On Continuing Medical Education In The EU
In 1994, another Charter was adopted by UEMS Council, the ``Charter on Continuing Medical Education in the EU``.
Medical Specialist Practice
The work on quality of medical specialist practice continued in 1996, when the ``Charter on Quality Assurance`` and ``UEMS Policy Proposals for the classification and training durations of specialties registered in the Doctors` Directive of 1996`` were adopted.
The ``Charter on Visitation of Training Centres`` was adopted in 1997.
In 1998, a ``Position Paper on Assessment of Training`` was adopted.
The ``Basel Declaration on CPD`` was adopted in October 2001.
In October 2004, UEMS Council also adopted a ``Declaration on the Promotion of Good Medical Care`` in Lisbon.
These documents include professional recommendations. Responsible national organisations strongly defended the implementation of these recommendations into the national training programmes. Moreover, these professional position papers help the European Commission in the elaboration of further EU directives in the field of medical specialist practice.
Specialist Training
At the moment there is only the Directive 93/16/EEC which stipulates the minimum duration of specialist training. Content of training is not subject of European legislation yet. This may change in the course of the implementation of the Maastricht Treaty. The UEMS hopes this document would be a contribution to the quality of medical specialist practice in Europe.
Doctors` Directive
In the framework of the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (destined to replace sectoral Directives such as the ``Doctors` Directive`` and which is not formally adopted yet), UEMS is involved in consultation processes with the European Commission in order to provide its expert-knowledge in the field of specialist practice at European level. This cooperation will continue as the Committee on recognition, to be set up after the entry into force of the Directive, would need opinions from experts of European professional organisations.
UEMS Positions on European issues affecting medical specialists
Beside the mobility and the qualifications of health professionals, UEMS is committed to a certain number of issues dealt with by EU Institutions. These areas notably include issues such as the internal market of services or the organisation of working time.
With regard to the ``Services Directive``, UEMS recently adopted a position reaffirming its commitment to quality of care and patients` safety and mobility.
``In the interest of patient safety, UEMS demands that healthcare services should be derogated from any future Directive on Services in the Internal Market that could jeopardise the quality of care.
``However, UEMS supports the free movement of both patients and doctors, and cross-border reimbursement for services provided.
``Furthermore, in the interest of patient safety and consumer protection, UEMS demands the implementation of the recommendations of the Fourth specialist doctors Report (1997) to ensure quality medical education and training providing quality patient care.``
Concerning the organisation of working time, UEMS defended the views of Junior Doctors.
Inactive Part Of On-Call Work
1. Definition of working time
The UEMS opposes the creation of a new category of working time called ``on-call work`` and a subcategory called ``inactive part of on-call work``. In the opinion of the UEMS, all time spent by a doctor in the working place under the orders of the employer should be counted as working time (cf.: firemen, shop assistants). There are no objective reasons to separate the work doctors do during on-call hours from the work they do during normal working hours
2. Length of reference periods
The UEMS wants to retain the current provisions regarding the length of the reference periods. It is a matter for the social partners on the national or regional level to agree on extending the reference periods; the Member States should not have the unilateral right to extend them by legislation.
Specialist Doctors
3. Individual opt-out
The UEMS recognises that it is in the interest of specialist doctors to have the possibility to work more than the average 48 weekly hours. However, doctors in training, as the most vulnerable part of the medical workforce, can be subject to both direct and indirect pressure to opt out of the protection provided by the Directive. Therefore, the UEMS calls for the abolition of the individual opt-out possibility from doctors in training.
European Health Policy Forum
UEMS also takes part in various Forums dealing with health-related issues and promoting the quality of care and safety of patients. UEMS is notably active in the framework of the works laid by the ``European Health Policy Forum``, where stakeholders meet and share ideas and policies on current European issues together with the European Commission.
