European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Management (EDRA)

The Diploma intends to widen the activity spectrum of those anaesthesia specialists who are already in clinical practice and are interested in acquiring additional knowledge encompassing the entire field of regional anaesthesia and acute pain management.

The concept of ESRA- and CME / CDP-approved courses and workshops takes into account the knowledge level of reasonably experienced clinicians. The salient points of different techniques, the overall strategies for their use, as well as their advantages and risks, are stressed in each of the courses and workshops candidates attend.

Regional techniques are integral components of anaesthesia and are frequently administered to high-risk patients, ranging from newborns to the frail elderly. Therefore, the objective of the examination is to treat defined subjects in an encompassing way, with sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology related to regional anaesthesia, as well as skills in block performance in a holistic context. A proper approach to acute pain management is mandatory in the clinical practice of anaesthesia and its knowledge is part of the content of the EDRA examination.

The EDRA examination takes place yearly at the ESRA Annual meeting each September. Regional anaesthesia colleagues from outside Europe are able to participate in EDRA Part I (the written test) on the occasions that it takes place overseas, for example, in India and Singapore, or during world congresses, such as South Africa 2014. The venues and dates for the EDRA Part I examinations outside Europe will be posted on the ESRA website with at least 3 months’ notice.

Prerequisites for EDRA Part 1 and Part 2 can be found on the ESRA website.