Navigating New Horizons: Understanding European Accreditation in CME

What challenges and opportunities await US-based CME providers looking to expand into Europe?

As a CME provider, understanding Europe's accreditation landscape and cultural nuances is crucial for successfully delivering education to international audiences. In today’s episode of Write Medicine, Susan Yarbrough joins me in dissecting the complexities of CME in Europe and guiding us through the accreditation mosaic. We’ll explore key considerations and strategies for navigating European CME, including the need for a strong dose of cultural humility.

 In episode 107, you’ll:

1. Gain insights into the differences between US and European CME accreditation systems

2. Learn practical advice for partnering with local organizations to deliver relevant education

3. Discover the importance of cultural humility and adaptability when expanding CME offerings internationally

Tune in now to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to expand your CME programs confidently into Europe and beyond!

Takeaways

1. While European CME accreditation differs significantly from the US, focusing on approving activities rather than providers, the accreditation landscape in Europe is evolving, with a slow but steady movement towards alignment and reciprocity. 
2. Reciprocal agreements allow for the exchange of CME credits, but disparities in accepting and using CPD credits across jurisdictions remain a concern. As a US-based CME provider, if you want to expand your offerings to Europe and beyond, as a first step, research the accreditation requirements and cultural nuances of your target European countries or regions.
3. Education providers who want to successfully deliver CME in Europe must cultivate cultural humility as a key ingredient. As a US-based provider, you’ll need to understand local guidelines, perform a gap analysis and needs assessment, and have a local footprint to effectively deliver education that is appropriately accredited and tailored to the European audience.

Connect with Susan

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Abbreviations

EACCME: European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (

ECMEC®: The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement to mutually recognize continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS). Physicians (MDs, DOs, or equivalent international degree holders) may apply to the AMA to have their EACCME European CME Credits (ECMEC®s) converted to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Resources

Ghidinellli M, Pozniak E, Kolanko C, Wilson S. The ongoing challenges faced by providers of CME-CPD in Europe. J CME. 2023;12(1)

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Introducing Susan

03:50 Some of the key challenges she sees in accreditation domestically

05:26 Updated guidelines for virtual credit in EACME 3.0

10:03 Differences and similarities between European and US accreditation

12:30 Impact of territoriality on CME content

15:51 Uniformity or standardization for reciprocal agreements in CME accreditation

17:13 Independence in Europe versus the US

21:48 Why the ABPI is attached to having control over content

24:26 How US education providers go about addressing specific needs and gaps in Europe

28:35 What tactical changes may look like to be an effective educator

31:03 Winners and losers in European accreditation

33:34 The extent of international and global CME and how is that going to change

36:03 Susan’s practical advice for CME providers

37:50 Key takeaways from today’s episode

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