Background to Advanced Cardiology Training in NSW

In July 2005, the NSW Institute of Medical Education and Training (NSW IMET) conducted a review into the delivery of advanced cardiology training in NSW, for submission in June 2006.

The review process included:

• Establishment of an expert advisory group
• Development of a discussion paper for general review and refinement
• Consultation with relevant interested parties
• Development of these recommendations for enhancing advanced cardiology training

The Advisory Group had representation from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), the RACP Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Cardiology and the NSW State Committee as well as the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, clinician trainers, trainees and medical administration, with the opportunity for comment invited from interested parties.

The final report was endorsed by the NSW Minister for Health in May 2007, with implementation to take place over three years from 2007.

What were the outcomes of the review?

The review process identified the need to improve:

• Trainee exposure to a range of training environments
• Exposure to general cardiology
• Establishment of rural-based training rotations
• Promote opportunities for general medicine trainees to obtain experience in cardiology training

The report recommended that training be delivered through formal networks. The intention of networked training was to facilitate equitable distribution of trainees, while maintaining high quality training.

The purpose of the training networks is to ensure a sustainable system of training while fulfilling the clinical service needs required throughout NSW.

To read the final report, Adult Cardiology Training in NSW: Recommendations for an Optimal Program, click here.

What is a Training Network?

A training network is:

• Grouping of training sites (hospitals and health services) as part of a combined training program and in accordance with agreed principles
• Endorsed by College, Health Department and Health Services
• Supported by governance structures and dedicated staff
• Different from 'informal' networks

In 2007, six advanced cardiology training networks were established. These networks were composed based on existing secondment arrangements and service pathways.