In 2002, following the acceptance of the revised European Core Curriculum for Radiation Oncologists, ESTRO and the European Board of Radiotherapy (EBR) agreed to develop a European Logbook for doctors training to be specialists in radiation oncology.

The first trial version of the web-based logbook became available in 2006 and is currently being piloted by the majority of radiation oncology trainees in the Netherlands.  The main purpose of the logbook is to facilitate the collection of objective data and build a portfolio of the experience gained by individual trainees working in different countries.  An additional benefit is to provide a central database of statistical data to compare training experiences between different countries and training centres.

The European Logbook comprises an encrypted web based database which includes a

• Patient List
• Event List (Presentations, Publications, Assessments, Clinical Observations)
• Reporting Module
• Personal Details

The adoption of a standardised approach to the training portfolio will lead to more objective trainee evaluation interviews, improved quality audits of local training programmes and more robust appraisal of the experience of candidates applying for specialist posts.  In addition, the logbooks will be a source of both descriptive and statistical comparative data about the training experience across Europe.

For further information please contact Christine Verfaillie.