The Czech Republic has been involved in the project since 2003 through the participation of tertiary professional schools specialising in healthcare. The project is implemented in cooperation with the University of Milan and the Monzino Cardiology Centre. The only centre in northern Italy that uses certain innovative technologies in cardiology (post-surgery cardiology, arrhythmology and electro-physiology, 3D echocardiography, etc.), the Monzino Cardiology Centre is recognised by the Ministry of Health as a research institute for basic and clinical research, and hosts the Cardiology Institute of the Medical Faculty of the University of Milan.
A total of 150 hours are allocated to theoretical lectures, so-called “observation periods” also receive 150 hours and clinical periods at hospital wards are assigned 1 050 hours. This is 1 400 hours overall. Post-surgery cardiology, electro-physiology, the operating theatre, intensive therapy, the outpatients’ department, the emergency service and sterilisation are the subject of direct observation. The clinical period at the hospital wards is divided into two parts – cardiology (6 months) and cardiac surgery and vascular surgery (6 months).
The students are assigned to experienced members of the nursing staff who act as supervisors and also cooperate during theoretical lectures. Each participating student has an opportunity to observe the diagnostics, therapy and treatment the patients undergo from their admission until they are released from hospital.
At the beginning of the internship, Italian language courses are provided along with classes focusing on Italian culture and history. Each student has his/her own tutor who performs the role of a guide, advisor and assistant and who is responsible for the student’s enrolment in the theoretical as well as practical classes and for his/her evaluation (every three months). The student must contact the tutor for any study-related or personal difficulties.
Applicants for the internship take courses in Italian in their own schools. After their arrival in Milan they continue the courses during the entire period of the internship. The Monzino Cardiology Centre pays for the students’ accommodation, meals, insurance and necessary expenses. At the end of the internship the students receive a certificate issued by the Monzino Cardiology Centre, and the hospital submits a final report including evaluation to the Italian Ministry of Health. The internship, which is supported by the Lombardy region, is recognised as work experience by the Ministry of Health in Rome.
Source: ReferNet, Czech Republic