Accreditation in transoesophageal echocardiography: Statement from the association of cardiothoracic anaesthetists and the British society of echocardiography joint TOE accreditation committee

Abstract

TOE is here to stay and will fulfil a vital role for today's anaesthetist and intensivist in the perioperative period. It has the benefits of providing a real-time examination of cardiac structures and function that can be reliable and repeatable. As with many interventions, a full understanding of the limitations and possible artefacts is required to benefit patient care. The development of perioperative TOE services in the UK has not been as expeditious as it might have been if sufficient funding had been forthcoming. This did not detract from the enthusiasm with which this tool has been embraced by anaesthetists. There is no lack of expertise and experience in the UK and Europe, although there remains a need for hands-on training opportunities and the evaluation of competence. We are in an era in medicine where guidelines for training, certification and revalidation are important. The development of formal training and certification in the UK can only improve the quality of the service we offer our patients.