About the specialty
Audiovestibular medicine is concerned with the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. In addition to the rehabilitative/habilitative aspects of the chronic disorders encompassed within the specialty, a broad general medical training allows appropriate investigation and medical management of the plethora of conditions of both peripheral otological and central nervous system origin, presenting with acute audiovestibular symptoms, including infectious, inflammatory, vascular, traumatic and metabolic disorders. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted to these problems, including as well tinnitus, dysacuses and communication disorders, aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life of the individual concerned.
Training in the specialty includes aspects of developmental paediatrics, geriatrics, medical genetics, neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and psychiatry. This breadth of training facilitates continuing research and development into methods of prevention of two of the most common sensory disabilities.
Entry into Audio vestibular medicine training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and core training programme. There are five core training programmes for Audio vestibular medicine training:
- Internal Medicine Training stage 1 - two years
- ACCS-Internal Medicine - three years
- Level 1 Paediatrics training - three years
- Core Surgical Training - two years
- General Practice training - three years
Entry is also possible for trainees in otolaryngology who have obtained MRCS(ENT) or MRCS plus DOHNS (Diploma in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery).
Curriculum
The curriculum for each specialty defines the process of training and the competencies needed for the award of a certificate of completion of training (CCT). The curriculum includes the assessment system for measuring trainees’ progress, comprising workplace based assessment and knowledge based assessment. The 2021 curriculum was approved by the GMC for implementation in August 2021.
The 2021 curriculum and supporting documents are given below:
Audiovestibular Medicine 2021 Curriculum
Audiovestibular Medicine Mapping of 2021 CiPs to previous curriculum competencies
The 2015 curriculum appears below. Previous versions of the curriculum are no longer available online but copies can be requested from curriculum@jrcptb.org.uk
ARCP Decision Aids
The ARCP decision aid for each specialty defines the targets that have to be achieved for a satisfactory ARCP outcome at the end of each training year.
2021 Audiovestibular Medicine ARCP Decision Aid
The ARCP decision aid for trainees who have remain on the previous version of the curriculum is available below.
Forms and guidance
Audiovestibular Medicine 2021 Rough guide .pdf (jrcptb.org.uk)
Practical procedures sign-off (PPS)
The practical procedures sign-off (PPS) form should be used for procedures overseen by audiologists (please refer to the curriculum for further information). The signed form can be uploaded to the ePortfolio personal library.