Right Heart Catheterization Blended Training Program: Quality Improvement and Educational Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Accurate pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) and cardiac output (CO) measurements are vital for diagnosing and managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
• Errors in PAWP and CO can lead to misclassification and inappropriate treatment.
• Recent guidelines emphasize standardized right heart catheterization (RHC) practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify knowledge gaps in RHC practices among interprofessional teams.
• Implement a blended learning program for fellows and nurses focusing on PAWP and CO acquisition and interpretation.
• Enhance procedural competency and interpretation of RHC hemodynamic data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the SQUIRE framework for a baseline survey of RHC practices and knowledge among physicians and nurses.
• Developed a 120-minute blended learning program based on survey results (lectures, video, simulation).
• Conducted pre- and post-training assessments to evaluate knowledge improvement.

Main Results:

• Baseline data revealed knowledge gaps in CO measurement and PAWP interpretation.
• Post-training assessments showed improved knowledge in CO methods (iFick), zero-reference level confirmation, PAWP acquisition, and CO measurements.
• Correct identification of end-expiratory PAWP decreased, indicating a need for focused reinforcement.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first interprofessional training initiative for RHC CO and PAWP accuracy.
• The educational intervention successfully addressed key knowledge gaps and improved understanding.
• Structured, ongoing interprofessional training is essential for optimizing PH and PAH patient care.