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The Value of AME Networks: Enhancing Peer Support in Aerospace Medicine

This article discusses the importance of AME networks in providing peer support for aerospace medical examiners (AMEs). It explores the benefits and challenges of establishing actual and virtual AME networks, including facilitating collaboration, sharing expertise, and ensuring effective communication. The article also highlights the need for regulatory support and confidentiality measures in supporting the success of these networks.

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The Value of AME Networks: Enhancing Peer Support in Aerospace Medicine

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  1. European Society of Aerospace MedicineAsMA Denver May 2017 Does an AME need a ‘wingman’? The value of AME Groups? Dr Martin Hudson, MBBS, MRCP (UK) FRCP Edin. Fellow Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) Member of the European Society of Aerospace Medicine Advisory Board Company Medical Adviser Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) Founder/Chairman UK North West AME Group

  2. EASA Task Force Recommendations Networks of aero-medical examiners • Recommendation 4 (b); National Authorities should strengthen the psychological and communication aspects of aero-medical examiners training and practice. Networks of aero-medical examiners should be created to foster peer support.

  3. The need for AME Networks • AMEs often work in isolation • Some AMEs perform only a limited number of pilot medical examinations • Newly appointed AMEs require support and guidance • Reassurance for difficult or contentious cases • Medico-legal reasons • Continuous professional development requirements • Provide cover for AMEs holidays/sickness absence

  4. Types of AME Networks Actual active network Two or more AMEs working from the same premises on a regular basis often with support staff (nursing/secretarial) Virtual AME network Groups of AMEs in a geographical area. This group could range from two or three AMEs to a much larger number depending the size of the area.

  5. UK CAA survey of AMEs attitude to networks

  6. Current UK experience of AME networks • Active actual networks; rare in the UK. Tend to be located near to major UK airports • Virtual networks; becoming more common and active • North West UK AME group has elevenmembers. In existence for 3 years.

  7. AME Network Liaison with National Aviation Authority and with local AEMCs • NAA and local AeMCs need to be aware of the existence of AME networks and encourage their development • Relationship must be independent but mutually supportive • Confidentiality issues need to be addressed • AMEs in a group must have access to pilot medical data so that individual pilot medical or psychological problems can be correctly and expeditiously handled • NAA need to assist AME networks with provision of support for mental health issues i.e. provision of aviation psychologists

  8. Working of a virtual AME networkLive meetings • Regular ? Quarterly meetings; usually evenings and linked with an informal social occasion • Constitution/Terms of reference? • Private room required • Appointment of a ‘Chairman’/’Secretary’ (to be rotated through the group) • Structured agenda • Record of meeting and points discussed • Invited speakers i.e. local cardiologist

  9. AME Networks Constitution/Terms of Reference? • Establishes a firm foundation for the group • Creates a democratic structure • Appoints Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer etc. • Tenure/Rotation of ‘Officers’ defined • Helps to avoid disputes/rivalries • Defines confidentiality issues • Agreement on financial issues • Allows resolution of problems if they arise • Hopefully used infrequently

  10. Working of a Virtual AME networkRemote contact discussion • E-mail discussion with all in the group for difficult or contentious cases • E-mail discussion re EASA or regulatory or policy issues. (probably would be followed up with a live meeting discussion) • Telephone discussion with one or two members in a group depending on availability • Advising members in the group about pilots with health concerns who may be AME shopping • Providing cover for AME holidays/sickness

  11. Problems with virtual AME networks • Persuading all AMEs in an area to join the group • Problems of medical confidentiality • Concern re competition between AMEs for clients • Persuading members of the group to take a positive lead to arrange meetings, agendas, take minutes etc. • Concern over financial issues such as fees etc. • Finding suitable invited speakers • Location for meeting and travel concerns due to distance • Expenses for the meeting

  12. Virtual AME network difficulties • None to date! • Resignation of Chairman/Secretary etc? • Problems arranging suitable dates and location • Finding a suitable invited speaker

  13. Personal positive reflections of our AME virtual network • Reassurance with difficult cases especially LAPLs. • Value for personal CPD and appraisals • Getting to know local AME colleagues • Advice and reassurance on policy matters • Benefit of meeting with a local CAA approved cardiologist • Giving support to new AMEs • Pleasant social occasions

  14. Conclusions • AME network and peer support essential • Virtual networks easy to set up and have a positive benefit • Very few if any disadvantages of a virtual network • If you do not have a virtual network in your area then set one up!!

  15. AME Networks Thank you ? Any questions

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