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EDEC pathway · ESICM recognition

The EDEC points system, explained

EDEC does not work with conventional ECTS credits, but with a points system. Here is how the three cumulative requirements fit together to obtain the diploma.

The general principle

Who the diploma is for

EDEC, the European Diploma in Advanced Critical Care EchoCardiography, is intended for intensivists who are already qualified (no longer in training), who hold a basic level in critical care echocardiography and wish to reach an advanced level.

To obtain the diploma, three cumulative requirements must be met, in parallel:

Requirement 1

Collect the points

40 points

Accumulated through learning components aligned with continuing medical education.

Requirement 2

Complete the logbook

100 TTE · 35 TOE

The case logbook, distinct from the points count, validated by mentor and supervisor.

Requirement 3

Pass the examination

3 parts

Theoretical, practical written and practical on mannequins, within a 24 month window.

Source: ESICM, EDEC

How points are collected

The scale of learning components

Points accumulate through different training formats. Here is the scale in force.

EDEC Advanced Course on Critical Care Echocardiography MandatoryAdvanced critical care echocardiography course
12 pts
Clinical Case CourseCourse based on clinical cases
6 pts
Recognised Courses3 points for a one day course · 6 points for two days or more
3 to 6 pts
Monothematic SessionsSingle topic sessions
4 pts / session
Self-StudyIndependent study
1 pt / video
Virtual Reality Experience (VRE)Virtual reality experience
1 pt / VRE
12 points from the mandatory advanced course40 points required in total

The EDEC Advanced Course is both mandatory and the largest contributor in points: 12 of the 40 points required. Our advanced course is endorsed as a recognised course worth 6 points.

Alongside the points

The logbook: a separate requirement

The case logbook is separate from the points count, and the two should not be confused. Two thresholds apply at different stages of the pathway.

To be eligible for the examination

Eligibility threshold

30
validated TTE
·
10
validated TOE

Validated by the mentor and the supervisor, and after completing the advanced course.

For final award of the diploma

Complete logbook

100
TTE
·
35
TOE

The complete logbook required for the award of the diploma.

Source: ESICM, EDEC

The examination & the timeline

Three parts, a 24 month window

The examination has three parts. The candidate may sit them at any time over the 24 months.

1

Theoretical

Assessment of fundamental and advanced knowledge in critical care echocardiography.

2

Practical written

Analysis and interpretation applied to clinical situations.

3

Practical on mannequins

Demonstration of acquisition and measurement skills under simulated conditions.

Source: ESICM, EDEC

In summary

Three requirements, in parallel

The logic is threefold and simultaneous: accumulate 40 points through the learning components, complete the logbook (100 TTE / 35 TOE), and pass the three parts of the examination. Points and logbook are two separate requirements that should not be confused.

  1. 1
    40 points
    learning components (including 12 from the mandatory advanced course)
  2. 2
    Logbook 100 / 35
    100 TTE and 35 TOE for final award
  3. 3
    Three part examination
    theoretical, practical written, practical on mannequins

Progress along the EDEC pathway

Our advanced course contributes 6 points.