Critical care education and support for emergency physicians: results from a Canadian National Survey

Emergency physicians frequently manage critically ill patients, often in settings without immediate access to critical care specialists. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Critical Care Committee develops knowledge translation tools, clinical practice guidelines, and educational resources to support emergency physicians in delivering high-quality critical care. This national survey assessed emergency physicians' preferences and needs related to critical care education and support.

We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study of Canadian emergency physicians attending the International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM) in Montreal, Quebec, between May 23 and May 28, 2025. Eligible participants were current CAEP members practicing in Canada. The survey was administered anonymously using a secure online platform. Responses were analyzed descriptively, and open-ended responses were reviewed to identify common themes using a descriptive content analysis approach.

Of 702 clinicians approached, 215 completed the survey (31% response rate). Most respondents were attending physicians (n = 119, 55%), practicing in academic (n = 127, 59%) or community (n = 83, 39%) settings. Skills-based workshops (n = 175, 81%) and clinical practice guidelines (n = 108, 50%) were identified as the most beneficial forms of continuing education. High-priority topics included ventilator management (n = 162, 75%), resuscitation (n = 173, 81%), vasopressors and inotropes (n = 148, 69%), and cardiac arrest (n = 118, 55%). Only 48 respondents (22%) were familiar with existing CAEP Critical Care Committee outputs. Open-ended responses emphasized the need for accessible quick-reference tools, increased workshops, and improved access to specialist consultation, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings.

This study identifies priority areas where emergency physicians seek enhanced critical care education, clinical tools, and specialist support. These findings provide preliminary guidance to inform future CAEP Critical Care Committee knowledge translation initiatives.