Cardiac Pacing Training in Africa: Endorsed by the Africa Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA): JACC International

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Jul 28;76(4):465-472. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.04.079.

Abstract

The field of pacing in Africa has evolved in an uncoordinated way across the continent with significant variation in local expertise, cost, and utilization. There are many countries where pacemaker services do not meet one-hundredth of the national demand. Regional, national, and institutional standards for pacemaker qualification and credentials are lacking. This paper reviews the current needs for bradycardia pacing and evaluates what standards should be set to develop pacemaker services in a resource-constrained continent, including the challenges and opportunities of capacity building and training as well as standards for training programs (training prerequisites, case volumes, program content, and evaluation).

Keywords: AFHRA; Africa; bradycardia; pacing; statement; training.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Bradycardia / therapy*
  • Capacity Building
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / methods*
  • Cardiology / education*
  • Cardiology Service, Hospital / organization & administration
  • Cardiology Service, Hospital / standards
  • Education* / organization & administration
  • Education* / standards
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans