The European Examination in Core Cardiology in Focus: Evaluation and Recommendations Using Educational Theory

Figures & data

Table 1. EECC Structure

EECC Sections	Questions
Valvular and Myocardial Disease	24
Ischaemic Heart Disease	24
Rhythm Disorders	24
Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Non-invasive Investigation	24
General Cardiology	24
Total	120

Figure 1. Miller’s Pyramid of clinical competence.

Table 2. Summary table of recommendations for the EECC

Utility component	Recommendations for improvement
Reliability	Faculty training in workshops to maintain high-quality standards of the writing process Regular item analysis to remove poorly performing questions
Validity	Faculty training in workshops to maintain high-quality standards of the writing process Regular revisions and updates of question bank Consideration of OSCEs or simulation to improve professional authenticity
Educational Impact	Free early access to ESC e-Learning modules and mock exams EECC revision textbook Mock exam at ESC or BCS annual conference with study leave to attend
Cost-Effectiveness	Conscious decision for cost efficiencies with a cost analysis undertaken Sample letter to send to tax agency, e.g. HMRC to claim tax relief on professional training expense Opportunity to claim professional training expense from study budget
Acceptability/Accessibility	Sittings more than once a year or available to sit from ST4 for candidates on track to achieving annual competencies Opening of test centres with social distancing as soon as reasonably possible Providing the exam in other languages