1180 A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Facial Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Injection Education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Aim The increasing demand for aesthetic facial botulinum toxin injections have resulted in a significant public health challenge internationally. There is variation in international practice pertaining to accreditation and licensing of practitioners to perform such procedures. The Keogh Review of 2013 identified education as a key area for improvement, however subsequent Health Education England recommendations for Level 7 accreditation were never formally adopted into UK law. This study explores educational practice in UAE, methodology, and compliance with national standards. Method A systematic online, social media and local database search was performed in English and Arabic using Boolean operators. Providers were contacted and data triangulated with benchmarking against national guidance including the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which was broken down into three parts (i) theoretical ii) practical iii) assessments.) Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results Eighteen courses were identified, of which sixteen were included in the study. All courses had entry requirements, with 50% only allowing Doctors to participate, the remainder extending to other healthcare professionals such as dentists. 62.5% had assessments, including both practical and written, and all courses were accredited. 75% were compliant with national guidance for theory, 87.5% for practical, and 56.3% for assessments. Mean course price was AED13,624 (£2,888), whilst mean duration was 2.8 days. Conclusions Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin education in UAE is governed by clear criteria which in many instances are not being adhered to. All courses have specific entry requirements pertaining to professional background. The highest area for improvement in compliance was for assessments.