CHEST Guidelines-Advanced-Critical-Care-Echocardiography-Certificat

Advanced-Critical-Care-Echocardiography-Certificat

Pdf Summary

The National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) now offers certification in Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography (ACCE). This certification is designed for physicians who provide critical care, including those from pulmonary, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and surgical backgrounds, among others. The certification process requires candidates to pass a cognitive examination, known as Testamur status, and complete at least 150 supervised full echocardiography exams in a critical care setting.<br /><br />The ACCE certification emphasizes the physician's ability to acquire, interpret, and apply echocardiographic images at the bedside, differentiating it from standard cardiology echocardiography, which primarily focuses on image interpretation. The NBE outlines a high skill level in image acquisition as essential for those seeking ACCE certification.<br /><br />The examination has been administered twice, with the 2019 session consisting of 512 candidates and an 81% pass rate. Candidates for the 2020 session numbered 416, with the pass rate yet to be confirmed. The subjects covered in the NBE board examination are detailed on their website (www.echoboards.org), and preparation resources are available at www.advancedcriticalcareecho.org, including a comprehensive reading list.<br /><br />Hospitalists have a significant role in ICUs not staffed by critical care specialists, leading to an extension of ACCE certification eligibility to this group until December 31, 2026. The NBE also welcomes emergency medicine specialists involved in critical care services to become certified.<br /><br />CHEST offers resources, including an annual review course for the examination and a dedicated 3-day course, focusing on image acquisition and interpretation for clinicians who have passed the examination. CHEST remains committed to supporting the development of ACCE certification by aiding in mentor pairing and continually improving educational resources.

Keywords

Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography

NBE certification

Testamur status

echocardiography exams

critical care setting

image acquisition

emergency medicine

hospitalists

CHEST resources

mentor pairing