Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICPNT?
ICPNT stands for the International Council of Perioperative Neurosciences Training. ICPNT is a council of the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) which provides administrative and legal infrastructure. The ICPNT was founded in 2019 as an international and professional organization to accredit all neuroanesthesia fellowships. The vision of the ICPNT is to ensure the maintenance of an exceptional worldwide educational system in perioperative neuroscience through constructive collaboration and recognition of the quality of individual neuroanesthesiology training programs.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is both a status and a process. As a status, accreditation provides documentation that your neuroanesthesia fellowship program meets the standards of quality set forth by the ICPNT accrediting body. As a process, accreditation is an indication that the accredited program is committed to not only meet the set standards but to continuously seek ways in which to enhance the quality of education and training provided. The ICPNT is affiliated with the SNACC and both publish the list of accredited programs on their website in the spring and the fall newsletter.
Who can apply for ICPNT accreditation? Can fellowship programs outside of the United States apply for accreditation?
All neuroanesthesia fellowship programs globally can apply for accreditation.
How does a Neuroanesthesia fellowship program become accredited?
Accreditation is voluntary and programs can choose to apply for it.
First, a program submits the completed application which is available on the ICPNT website https//www.icpnt.net. This online application is accessible through a hyperlink URL includes details about training goals and objectives; required resources; clinical procedures, program policies; successful trainee’s required clinical competencies; faculty scholarly expectations and actual outcome data that demonstrate achievement of the above.
A team of at least three ICPNT assigned reviewers’ evaluates and presents an application report to the Council. The program has an opportunity to review and comment on that report and answer questions that may arise. After a program qualifies for accreditation by meeting the ICPNT requirements, an accreditation certificate and letter will be awarded. The goal of the reviewers and the ICPNT Board is to assist applicant programs in meeting accreditation criteria. A constructive summary statement with follow up will be provided.
How long does this process take?
The ICPNT review committee meets every four months annually in May, September, and when needed, in January. All applications are due by March 31 or July 31 to be eligible for consideration at the next committee meeting. The process of review and completion of accreditation can take between 6 months to one year.
Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation speaks to the professional quality of the educational program and institution. It speaks for the high standards set to achieve the core skills and knowledge required to be an expert in neuroanesthesiology and neuroscience.
As a Fellow; Accreditation provides assurance that the program in which he/she is planning in enrolling is engaged in continuous review and improvement of its quality, that it meets internationally endorsed professional standards established by international accrediting body.
As a Faculty member: Accreditation provides a formal process for ongoing evaluation and faculty development.
As a Program Director of the ICPNT: Accreditation provides a forum in which all the program directors can network and exchange ideas to advance the future needs of the profession.
What are the criteria needed to meet ICPNT accreditation?
Please visit the website page on ICPNT Program Requirements.
What resources does the ICPNT offer to accredited programs?
Accreditation can help with collaboration between programs facilitating exchange of fellows for specific rotations depending on the expertise offered by each program.
ICPNT will also offer a number of educational activities which are in the process of development including workshops at the annual SNACC meeting.
What is the cost to apply for accreditation?
The application fee is $4000 with an annual $600 fee during the period of accreditation. An additional fee may be required for re-accreditation after expiry of the accreditation status. (Depending upon the period of accreditation offered 1-5 years).
Is ICPNT for profit? What happens with the application fee?
The ICPNT is a non-profit organization. The application fee and the yearly accreditation fee is used to support the administrative and professional effort required to evaluate a program, maintain records, support the ICPNT web page, develop specialized educational opportunities and develop ICPNT community resources.
What if we don’t meet all criteria? Will we get a refund?
In this situation, the primary reviewer of the ICPNT will be in touch with the program director to discuss program deficiencies before final submission. The goal is to work with a program to ultimately make it successful. No refunds will be given.
Is there a need for a site visit?
This is not usually required but may be necessary in some situations.
Does the fellowship curriculum have to be in English?
The curriculum does not need to be in English; however there should be a translated version of the curriculum and the application available for ICPNT to evaluate. The Program Director needs to be able to communicate with the ICPNT in English.
What is the relation between SNACC and ICPNT?
The ICPNT was created as a council of SNACC in 2019 to oversee the accreditation of neuroanesthesiology fellowship programs. SNACC provides the administrative and legal infrastructure for ICPNT.
Will we get help in developing a program from scratch?
This is a future goal.
Do all faculty need to be SNACC members?
All faculty in the program do not need to be a SNACC member, however, this is highly encouraged due to various professional membership benefits. All core faculty should be active in the regional neuro-oriented professional society. The Program Director must be a SNACC member.
If accreditation is granted, what is the duration of accreditation?
The categories and duration of accreditation are as follows:
A1 – Full approval – greater than expectations – Strong Program- 5 years
A2 – Approval – minor deficiencies and areas of concern – 3 years approval
A3 – Approval with citations – program must address specified issues within 1 year for continuing approval
Pending – The paperwork is under review.
Deficient – Denial of accreditation – the program is eligible for future accreditation if noted serious citations are addressed.
Will a local reviewer be included in the review panel?
Every attempt will be to have at least one reviewer familiar with local customs and regulations on the panel.
Whom can we contact for guidance and support on the process?
The ICPNT will assign a point of contact who will be one of the ICPNT committee members. You can contact them through email to obtain help with guidance and
support during the application process.
Our fellowship program is not run in blocks, how do we demonstrate that we provide enough clinical experience?
Fellowship programs may or may not run in blocks. If your fellowship program is not organized in blocks, submitting a report of how the fellowship is organized
in order to fulfill the necessary criteria required by the ICPNT for fellowship training should be submitted.
Can we submit evidence via email?
It is preferable to submit through the website so that all the reviewers are able to see it and records can be accurately maintained.
