scholarly journals The Academy of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and the European Register of Specialists in Laboratory Medicine: guide to the Academy and the Register, version 4 – 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gijsbert Wieringa ◽  
Nuthar Jassam ◽  
Evgenija Homsak ◽  
Ivana Rako ◽  
Jaroslav Racek
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
European Federation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Stepping Stones ◽  
High Quality Education ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
European Register ◽  
Training Professional

AbstractThe 4th version of the guide to the Register for European Specialists in Laboratory Medicine (EuSpLM) established by the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine describes the transfer of the register to the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) in 2016, the extension in 2018 of the Register beyond the European Union to Europe and the benefits of membership of the EFLM Academy to which the Register transferred on the Academy’s launch in 2019. The Academy offers EuSpLM registrants access to benefits that include reduced registration rates at selected conferences and free subscription to Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. With effect from 2020 eligibility was extended to anyone with an interest in laboratory medicine. The updated guide describes the electronically driven processes for individual membership and block enrolment from national societies/organisations, and the stepping stones to recognition as an EuSpLM within the Academy. Whilst eligibility for recognition as an EuSpLM remains largely unchanged new expectations across Europe in education, training, professional regulation and qualifications are reflected in updated criteria. The continuing driver for establishing the Academy and growing the EFLM Register reflects the federation’s leadership role in the harmonisation of high quality education and training for those with an interest in laboratory medicine as well as ongoing initiatives to establish a Common Training Framework for Specialists in Laboratory Medicine under EU Directive 2013/55/EC (The Recognition of Professional Qualifications).

scholarly journals Preanalytical quality improvement. In pursuit of harmony, on behalf of European Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE)

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Giuseppe Banfi ◽  
Stephen Church ◽  
Michael Cornes ◽  
Gabriella De Carli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Becton Dickinson ◽  
External Quality Assessment Scheme ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Preanalytical Phase

AbstractLaboratory diagnostics develop through different phases that span from test ordering (pre-preanalytical phase), collection of diagnostic specimens (preanalytical phase), sample analysis (analytical phase), results reporting (postanalytical phase) and interpretation (post-postanalytical phase). Although laboratory medicine seems less vulnerable than other clinical and diagnostic areas, the chance of errors is not negligible and may adversely impact on quality of testing and patient safety. This article, which continues a biennial tradition of collective papers on preanalytical quality improvement, is aimed to provide further contributions for pursuing quality and harmony in the preanalytical phase, and is a synopsis of lectures of the third European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)-Becton Dickinson (BD) European Conference on Preanalytical Phase meeting entitled ‘Preanalytical quality improvement. In pursuit of harmony’ (Porto, 20–21 March 2015). The leading topics that will be discussed include unnecessary laboratory testing, management of test request, implementation of the European Union (EU) Directive on needlestick injury prevention, harmonization of fasting requirements for blood sampling, influence of physical activity and medical contrast media on in vitro diagnostic testing, recent evidence about the possible lack of necessity of the order of draw, the best practice for monitoring conditions of time and temperature during sample transportation, along with description of problems emerging from inappropriate sample centrifugation. In the final part, the article includes recent updates about preanalytical quality indicators, the feasibility of an External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for the preanalytical phase, the results of the 2nd EFLM WG-PRE survey, as well as specific notions about the evidence-based quality management of the preanalytical phase.

Laboratory medicine in the European Union

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wytze P. Oosterhuis ◽  
Simone Zerah
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Mutual Recognition ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
European Federation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe profession of laboratory medicine differs between countries within the European Union (EU) in many respects. The objective of professional organizations of the promotion of mutual recognition of specialists within the EU is closely related to the free movement of people. This policy translates to equivalence of standards and harmonization of the training curriculum. The aim of the present study is the description of the organization and practice of laboratory medicine within the countries that constitute the EU. A questionnaire covering many aspects of the profession was sent to delegates of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) and Union Européenne de Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) of the 28 EU countries. Results were sent to the delegates for confirmation. Many differences between countries were identified: predominantly medical or scientific professionals; a broad or limited professional field of interest; inclusion of patient treatment; formal or absent recognition; a regulated or absent formal training program; general or minor application of a quality system based on ISO Norms. The harmonization of the postgraduate training of both clinical chemists and of laboratory physicians has been a goal for many years. Differences in the organization of the laboratory professions still exist in the respective countries which all have a long historical development with their own rationality. It is an important challenge to harmonize our profession, and difficult choices will need to be made. Recent developments with respect to the directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications call for new initiatives to harmonize laboratory medicine both across national borders, and across the borders of scientific and medical professions.

scholarly journals A proposed common training framework for specialists in laboratory medicine under EU directive 2013/55/EC (The recognition of professional qualifications)

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gijsbert Wieringa ◽  
Josep Queraltó ◽  
Evgenija Homšak ◽  
Nuthar Jassam ◽  
Etienne Cavalier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Specialist Practice ◽  
Eu Commission ◽  
The Eu

AbstractEuropean Union (EU) Directive 2013/55/EC (The Recognition of Professional qualifications) allows Member States to decide on a common set of minimum knowledge, skills and competences that are needed to pursue a given profession through a Common Training Framework. To be adopted the framework must combine the knowledge, skills and competences of at least one third of the Member States. Professionals who have gained their qualifications under a Common Training Framework will be able to have these recognised automatically within the Union. The backbone of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine’s (EFLM) proposed Common Training Framework for non-medical Specialists in Laboratory Medicine is outlined here. It is based on an Equivalence of Standards in education, training, qualifications, knowledge, skills, competences and the professional conduct associated with specialist practice. In proposing the recognition of specialist practice EFLM has identified 15 EU Member States able to meet Equivalence and in whom the profession and/or its training is regulated (an additional EU Commission requirement). The framework supports and contributes to the Directive’s enabling goals for increasing professional mobility, safeguarding consumers and ensuring a more equitable distribution of skills and expertise across the Member States. It represents EFLM’s position statement and provides a template for professional societies and/or competent authorities to engage with the EU Commission.

scholarly journals The European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Code of Conduct, Version 2 – 2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet McMurray ◽  
Simone Zerah ◽  
Michael Hallworth ◽  
Ursula Koeller ◽  
Victor Blaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Executive Board ◽  
European Register ◽  
Set Up

AbstractIn 1997, the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) set up a Register for European Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Commission (EC4RC). During the last 10 years, more than 2000 specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine have joined the Register. In 2007, EC4 merged with the Federation of European Societies of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (FESCC) to form the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC). A Code of Conduct was adopted in 2003 and a revised and updated version, taking account particularly of the guidelines of the Conseil Européen des Professions Libérales (CEPLIS) of which EFCC is a member, is presented in this article. The revised version was approved by the EC4 Register Commission and by the EFCC Executive Board in Paris on 6 November, 2008.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:372–5.

scholarly journals EC4: Present and future activities

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
Rob Jansen
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Laboratory Investigation ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Medical Laboratories ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
European Register ◽  
Eu Directives

EC4 is the organization for clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine in the European Union. The main goals of EC4 are the recognition of professional qualifications, the influencing of ISO and CEN documents relevant for the profession, monitoring EU directives relevant for the profession, reaching equivalence of standards in accreditation in Europe for medical laboratories, defining guidelines on the laboratory investigation of disease, harmonization of laboratory data via calibration. The European register of specialists in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine is maintained by the EC4 Registration Commission. A number of working groups are active in reaching the goals set. In this article present and future activities are described. .

scholarly journals The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine syllabus for postgraduate education and training for Specialists in Laboratory Medicine: version 5 – 2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 1846-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuthar Jassam ◽  
Jennifer Lake ◽  
Milena Dabrowska ◽  
Jose Queralto ◽  
Demetrios Rizos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
And Training

Abstract Although laboratory medicine practise varies across the European Union’s (EU) member states, the extent of overlap in scope is such that a common syllabus describing the education and training associated with high-quality, specialist practise can be identified. In turn, such a syllabus can help define the common set of skills, knowledge and competence in a Common Training Framework (CTF) for non-medical Specialists in Laboratory Medicine under EU Directive 2013/55/EU (The recognition of Professional Qualifications). In meeting the requirements of the directive’s CTF patient safety is particularly enhanced when specialists seek to capitalise on opportunities for free professional migration across EU borders. In updating the fourth syllabus, the fifth expands on individual discipline requirements, new analytical techniques and use of statistics. An outline structure for a training programme is proposed together with expected responsibilities of trainees and trainers; reference is provided to a trainee’s log book. In updating the syllabus, it continues to support national programmes and the aims of EU Directive 2013/55/EU in providing safeguards to professional mobility across European borders at a time when the demand for highly qualified professionals is increasing in the face of a disparity in their distribution across Europe. In support of achieving a CTF, the syllabus represents EFLM’s position statement for the education and training that underpins the framework.

Flexible scope for ISO 15189 accreditation: a guidance prepared by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN standards (WG-A/ISO)

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc H.M. Thelen ◽  
Florent J.L.A. Vanstapel ◽  
Christos Kroupis ◽  
Ines Vukasovic ◽  
Guilaime Boursier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
Iso 15189 ◽  
Medical Laboratories ◽  
Flexible Scope ◽  
Scientific Disciplines

AbstractThe recent revision of ISO15189 has further strengthened its position as the standard for accreditation for medical laboratories. Both for laboratories and their customers it is important that the scope of such accreditation is clear. Therefore the European co-operation for accreditation (EA) demands that the national bodies responsible for accreditation describe the scope of every laboratory accreditation in a way that leaves no room for doubt about the range of competence of the particular laboratories. According to EA recommendations scopes may be fixed, mentioning every single test that is part of the accreditation, or flexible, mentioning all combinations of medical field, examination type and materials for which the laboratory is competent. Up to now national accreditation bodies perpetuate use of fixed scopes, partly by inertia, partly out of fear that a too flexible scope may lead to over-valuation of the competence of laboratories, most countries only use fixed scopes. The EA however promotes use of flexible scopes, since this allows for more readily innovation, which contributes to quality in laboratory medicine. In this position paper, the Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN Standards belonging to the Quality and Regulation Committee of the EFLM recommends using an approach that has led to successful introduction of the flexible scope for ISO15189 accreditation as intended in EA-4/17 in The Netherlands. The approach is risk-based, discipline and competence-based, and focuses on defining a uniform terminology transferable across the borders of scientific disciplines, laboratories and countries.

scholarly journals An overview of EFLM harmonization activities in Europe

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 1591-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Kilpatrick ◽  
Sverre Sandberg
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Laboratory Medicine ◽  
Biological Variation ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
European Guidelines ◽  
Common Basis ◽  
Evaluation Procedures ◽  
E Learning

Abstract The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has initiated many harmonization activities in all phases of the examination process. The EFLM is dealing with both the scientific and the educational aspects of harmonization, with the intention of disseminating best practice in laboratory medicine throughout Europe. Priorities have been given (1) to establish a standard for conducting and assessing biological variation studies and to construct an evidence based EFLM webpage on biological variation data, (2) to harmonize preanalytical procedures by producing European guidelines, (3) to improve test ordering and interpretation, (4) to produce other common European guidelines for laboratory medicine and play an active part in development of clinical guidelines, (5) to establish a common basis for communicating laboratory results to patients, (6) to harmonize units of measurement throughout Europe, (7) to harmonize preanalytical procedures in molecular diagnostics and (8) to harmonize and optimize test evaluation procedures. The EFLM is also now launching the 5th version of the European Syllabus to help the education of European Specialists in Laboratory Medicine (EuSpLM), which is being supported by the development of e-learning courses. A register of EuSpLM is already established for members of National Societies in EU countries, and a similar register will be established for specialists in non-EU countries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document