HERMES: a European Core Syllabus in Respiratory Medicine

Summary HERMES is a project to promote better "Harmonised education and training in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists". The first aim of the project was to devel- op a European core syllabus listing core competencies that all respiratory specialists should possess. This report presents the resulting consensus-based document. A total of 50 experts in respiratory medicine from 29 countries took part in its development. Moreover, over 400 qualified respiratory physicians and over 100 trainees provided fur- ther feedback throughout the project. Competencies were identified and ranked through a three-round Delphi consensus pro- cess. Some 229 competencies were selected and split into nine sections and 51 modules. Of these, 14 were ranked as optional, 215 as mandatory. Items were further ranked into three different levels, according to the level of knowledge and competence expected. The Delphi process proved an effective tool for creating expert consensus and to enable "group" ownership of the project outcomes.