From pump technicians to qualified health personnel – the evolution of the perfusionist profession

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, The invention of a new profession is often linked to an evolution in science and technology. While the first experts on the application of extracorporeal circulation were recruited from laboratory technicians or physicians [1], the subsequent evolution to a profession underwent several stages [2]. As in the US, the majority of cardiovascular perfusionists in Europe today have a formal education, although this varies between countries [3]. The compentencies necessary to safely operate a heart–lung-machine and the related equipment are widespread. The expected future developments would seem to make the academic training of cardiovascular perfusionists especially desirable [4]. As wide variation concerning the education and training of cardiovascular perfusionists exists in Europe, an overseeing body regulating this education process was deemed necessary. The European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion was founded in 1991 in order to unite European perfusionists in their desire for equality of standards in both their training and in their professional status [5]. For this purpose, a democratic organization with representatives from the perfusion societies of all European countries which, at that time were members of the European Community (EC) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) was initiated. Supporting organizations of the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion include the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the European Society for Cardio-Vascular Surgery (ESCVS) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (EACTA). The objectives of the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion are to: Establish, monitor and maintain equality of standards in education and training in the practice of perfusion and related studies for the benefit of the public. Set out Essentials and Guidelines by which training programmes will be accredited by the Board and where such programmes will lead to qualifications recognized by all societies in Europe. Develop an advanced level of education and training programme to train the trainers in perfusion and thereby qualify the trainers to teach perfusion skills. Establish a common perfusionist certification programme in Europe and thereby permit greater mobility of labour with recognition of professional competence. Issue a European Certificate of Competence in Perfusion (ECCP) to certify that the bearer has satisfied the Board by examination that the required standard of competence has been attained. Liaise with the European commission to legalize these objectives through the appropriate health department. Officially, the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion is represented by the chairman, the general secretary, and the treasurer. In addition, there is a certification committee and an accreditation committee which form the academic committee of the board. The certification committee is in charge of matters regarding the certification of the individual perfusionist whereas the accreditation committee deals in matters regarding accreditation of perfusion schools and training centres. Written examinations from the European Certificate in Cardiovascular Perfusion have been organized under the auspices of the Board, with significant participation throughout Europe. Today, more than 1900 European Board certificates (ECCP) have been issued. Twenty-three European countries have delegates representing the majority of perfusionists throughout Europe. The European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion is recognized by the European Commission as the professional organization representing cardiovascular perfusionists in Europe. As well as the Accreditation of Perfusion Education Programmes and certification, and the Re-Certification of individual perfusionists, the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion also organizes the European Conference on Perfusion Education and Training. The objective of this annual event is to provide perfusionists and other health professionals with a forum to exchange ideas and to promote knowledge in the field of perfusion and related techniques. Cardiovascular Perfusion is a profession that combines technical expertise and medical knowledge. New fields of activities will be part of the perfusionist's work. A scientific approach to extracorporeal circulation and related techniques is necessary to solve the problems ahead. The affiliation with the European Association for CardioThoracic Surgery and the Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery Journal will certainly strengthen the ties between cardiac surgeons and perfusionists and will hopefully be of benefit for the care of our patients.