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Physicians' knowledge of implantable defibrillator treatment: are we good enough?

Annika Kinch Westerdahl1,2, Viveka Frykman1,2

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyds Hospital, Stockholm 182 88, Sweden.

Europace : European Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Electrophysiology : Journal of the Working Groups on Cardiac Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
|February 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Physicians often lack sufficient knowledge regarding implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). This study found that while most physicians have ICD patient experience, only 41% demonstrated adequate knowledge, highlighting a critical need for improved training.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Education
  • Clinical Practice

Background:

  • Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are managed across various hospital departments.
  • Physicians require fundamental ICD knowledge for optimal patient care throughout the device's lifecycle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the knowledge levels of physicians in Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Geriatrics regarding implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional comparative study involving 432 physicians across 18 hospitals.
  • Stratified sampling and surveys were employed, achieving a 99.5% response rate.

Main Results:

  • 83% of physicians had experience with ICD patients, yet 68% self-rated their knowledge as low.
  • Only 41% of physicians achieved sufficient knowledge scores based on predefined criteria.
  • Significant knowledge disparities existed between specialties: 71% in Cardiology, 30% in Internal Medicine, and 19% in Geriatrics.

Conclusions:

  • A significant gap in basic knowledge of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment and management exists among physicians.
  • The deficit is most pronounced in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, but also present in Cardiology.
  • Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial given the increasing number of ICD patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
ArrhythmiasClinical competenceImplantable cardioverter-defibrillatorPhysician awarenessPhysician knowledgeSurveys and questionnaires

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