ETAP 2.0– Report from Basel, Switzerland

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ETAP 2.0– Report from Basel, Switzerland

The Basel radiology training programme, attracting residents from numerous European countries, is built on the following terms and principles: People (skilled and motivated trainees and trainers), Culture (empowerment, blame-free-environment, cooperative leadership), Organisation (clear, consistent and transparent rules), Content (subspecialised, organ-based expertise), Infrastructure (modern facilities, equipment and IT), Innovation (research and workflow), and Quality Control (exams, audits, certification).
In spring 2018, we learned about the new European Training Assessment Programme, ETAP 2.0, for external auditing and certification of residency training programmes in radiology. Although our programme is regularly rated as the best academic training programme in Switzerland, we were curious about areas of further development. Our reason for ETAP 2.0 certification was to obtain an outside perspective and ideas for improvement, to foster critical self reflection, and to identify blind spots in our view.
In May 2018, we applied for assessment and uploaded the online material (questionnaires and videos). The following month, we had seven online interviews, and in July 2018, we received the final results. The complete process was transparent and concise, comprising seven stages:

• 1. Submit application form
• 2. Upload questionnaires from trainees and residency director, and videos showing the facilities, resources, and equipment
• 3. Assessors review the material, seven online interviews
• 4. Lead assessor drafts report and sends it to ETAP chair
• 5. Results are reported to the training centre
• 6. First feedback (on process) after two weeks
• 7. Second feedback (on impact) after six months

We are proud and honoured that we are now certified with the platinum level, the highest level of excellence. Even more important, we received a precise analysis of our programme with respect to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The recommendations for further improvement, in our case adding training units for leadership skills and scientific tools, were particularly appreciated and have resulted in adding these features to our curriculum.
In conclusion, ETAP 2.0 is an excellent quality control tool that provides precise analysis and an objective outside perspective. The certification process is transparent and concise. The SWOT analysis of the training programme and recommendations for improvement are particularly helpful.

Basel University Hospital, close to the historic centre of Basel and the Rhine River.

The Radiology training programme at Basel University Hospital was certified with the platinum level of excellence two months after applying.

Jens Bremerich, MD, is a Professor of Radiology and the Residency Director of the Department of Radiology at Basel University Hospital. After training in Heidelberg, Montpellier, Edinburgh, Indianapolis, Basel, and San Francisco, he firmly believes that a good training programme is a team achievement that brings together subspecialised experts and is based on clear structures.