As a means of supporting and encouraging quality continuing medical education (CME) for neurologists, the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) has developed a system for publicly recognising CME that meets basic standards of quality. In this way institutions and organisations will strive to achieve or maintain standards of quality programming based on commonly accepted principles of continuing adult education. Moreover, neurologists will be able to note in advance those CME programmes that have successfully passed through the quality control process of the EFNS.
The EFNS believes that it should promote quality CME on an intra-European basis. A quality programme developed in one European country may well be of benefit to physicians in other parts of Europe. European neurologists should be encouraged to participate in quality CME that meets their individual educational needs no matter where it takes place. EFNS approval facilitates this greater educational co-operation and sharing of resources throughout Europe.
Some national groups have developed CME requirements (credit requirements) that are expected of specialists to remain in good standing. The EFNS believes that its approval system will satisfy these groups to accept EFNS approved CME as meeting their requirements.
The EFNS is willing to consider for CME approval live group programmes such as meetings, conferences, workshops and symposia. Such educational events organised by independent organisers represent the main focus of EFNS support.
The EFNS will review for approval also other CME formats such as videotapes, computer-assisted instruction, internet education, home study courses or printed materials.
Medical institutions and organisations involved in medical education, medical service, and professional associations may submit their CME programmes for review and approval. These organisations must have the respect of the local medical community for their integrity and commitment to quality education or service. The programme should have the recommendation of the national neurological society. If not included in the application, the EFNS reserves the right to ask the national neurological society concerned for a letter of recommendation. The official language of the programme to be submitted for review to the EFNS must be English.
EFNS is willing to also approve high quality educational events organised by industry related institutions if they fulfil strict criteria and have open access. These institutions have to be funded by non-restricted educational grants; within the co-sponsored event there should be no product promoting activities. In addition to the usual application for the EFNS CME approval, a disclosure of financing of the industry related institution is required in form of a declaration of independence from the industry, obtained along with bylaws of the institution which performs the CME event. The bylaws or the status of the organisation must be delivered in English. If it is an official bylaw, the translation into English must be legally confirmed. Additionally it is mandatory that the organisation of these industry sponsored CME events is organised by an independent scientific person/committee. A declaration of of independence – financial dependence of the said person(s) from industry with a complete financial disclosure is mandatory and needs to be added to the application. Granting CME approval to such education events will allow the organisers to add to their programmes a specially formulated co-sponsorship declaration, which is different from the declaration for events organised by independent organisers.
A checklist for industry sponsored events containing the above mentioned details will be available for applicants.
Approval by the EFNS means that in the best judgement of the EFNS the CME programme satisfactorily meets its standards of quality programming and administration.
EFNS approval pertains only to the educational programme that is under the direct responsibility of the institution or organisation. Approval does not extend to industry-presented education (frequently called "satellite" programmes).
The EFNS retains the right to make the final decision as to whether a programme meets the EFNS standards.