January 22, 2008 - The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) issued the first standardized cardiac pacing exam for Japanese allied professionals, which marks the first time the IBHRE exam, designed to test professional competency in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and electrophysiology, will be tailored to the needs of a global health care system outside of the U.S.
IBHRE hopes its partnership with Japan Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) will serve as the model for future exam tailoring and administration in countries such as China, Russia and India.
The knowledge base of the exam, which includes device functions, reportedly is for the most part a global standard. Patient management questions, however, and an understanding of the clinical culture and medicines used in Japan were considered when tailoring the exam.
“With the ICD growth rate around 50 percent and no signs of decreasing, the importance of credentialing Japanese professionals is all the more urgent,” said Charles J. Love, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FHRS, CCDS, President of the IBHRE Board of Directors. “Given the growing number of heart rhythm patients around the world and the variations of health care systems globally, the need for certification and credentialing is of utmost importance to enhance positive patient care.”
The Japanese Ministry of Health has mandated that in addition to allied professionals, sales representatives, technical advisors and anyone else having contact with patients from the medical device industry must be certified. This mandate is meant to ensure a meaningful standard of knowledge for those involved in assisting physicians and other health care workers in the implantation and management of pacemakers and ICDs.
For more information: www.HRSonline.org and www.IBHRE.org
March 26, 2024 
