ACCF/AHA/ACP 2009 Competence and Training Statement: A Curriculum on Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Physicians (ACP) Task Force on Clinical Competence was formed in 1998 to develop recommendations for attaining and maintaining the cognitive and technical skills necessary for the competent performance of a specific cardiovascular service, procedure, or technology. These documents are evidence-based, and where evidence is not available, expert opinion is utilized to formulate recommendations. Indications and contraindications for specific services or procedures are not included in the scope of these documents. Recommendations are intended to guide curriculum development and assist those who judge the competence of cardiovascular healthcare providers entering practice for the first time and/or those in practice who undergo periodic review of their expertise or who apply for privileges at a new institution. The assessment of competence is complex and multidimensional; therefore, isolated recommendations contained herein may not necessarily be sufficient or appropriate for judging overall competence. The current document addresses a curriculum for developing competence in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is authored by representatives of the ACCF, AHA, ACP, the American Academy of Neurology; American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; American College of Preventive Medicine; American College of Sports Medicine; American Diabetes Association (ADA); American Society of Hypertension; Association of Black Cardiologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Lipid Association; and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association. The recommendations contained herein recognize the broader context of clinical training and the importance of systems of care in improving patient outcomes. Trainees should be aware of and responsive to the larger context of systems-based health care and utilize all available resources to provide optimum care. Similarly, the development of competence embodies knowledgeable incorporation of technological advances for the evaluation of health and disease based on ongoing familiarity with the emerging scientific and social literature.