Results Announced for First Cardiac Pacing Exam for Japanese Allied Professionals
Initial Japan-based Exam Scores Comparable to Those in U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

Results released today from the first standardized cardiac pacing examination for Japanese allied professionals show a notable pass rate amongst candidates. The exam, administered by the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) and designed to test professional competency in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and electrophysiology, is the first standardized cardiac pacing examination tailored to the needs of a health care system outside of the U.S.

In the debut of the Japan-based exam, 638 candidates participated in the first round, resulting in an overall pass rate of 66 percent. While U.S.-based pacing exams for allied professionals average a 75 percent pass rate, the Japan-based exam pass rate is notable given this was the first round of the exam. Japanese exam candidates represent a wide cross section of professionals from more than 85 companies including Medtronic Japan, Biotronik Japan, GM Medical, Boston Scientific Japan and St. Jude Medical.

“We are very pleased with the pass rate of this first round exam,” said Charles J. Love, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FHRS, CCDS, and President of the IBHRE Board of Directors. “We believe the gap will narrow significantly between U.S. and Japanese pass rates now that the expectations are known by the candidates. This was a very successful first round of the exam and we look forward to hosting the second round in January of 2009. I applaud the efforts of all of those who took the time and effort to challenge the examination and to become certified in cardiac rhythm device therapy.”

The knowledge base of the exam, which includes device functions, is a global standard. Patient management questions, however, and an understanding of the clinical culture and medicines used in Japan were considered when tailoring the examination. Close collaboration with the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society to tailor the exam for Japan’s specific needs resulted in an examination appropriate for this group of candidates. It also provides a model that can be used to offer the exam in other countries.

“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 Love. “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 achieve optimal patient care.”

The Japanese Ministry of Health has mandated that allied professionals, sales representatives, technical advisors and anyone else having contact with patients from the medical device industry 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.

With the goal of continuing to expand internationally, IBHRE hopes its partnership with the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society will serve as the model for future exam tailoring and administration in countries such as China, Russia and India.

About IBHRE
An affiliate, independent body of the Heart Rhythm Society, IBHRE is enriched by cardiac arrhythmia health care professionals who strive for excellence and optimal health care by passing this distinguished exam. Participation in the exam is consistent with the Heart Rhythm Society’s overall purpose to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Working together to standardize the profession, IBHRE and the Heart Rhythm Society provide the most current testing and professional development tools with advances in heart rhythm management to enhance knowledge and delivery of health care to patients. More information can be found at www.ibhre.org.