Researchers assessed practicing cardiology practitioners' confidence regarding application of cardiogenomics in practice and their preferred subjects for continuing medical education (CME). The poll of 131 practitioners covered current practices around genetic testing for inherited cardiac conditions; clinicians' confidence in their knowledge of cardiovascular genetic testing; practical knowledge founded on current practice guidelines for managing patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sickle cell disease; preferences for CME topics; and demographics. Overall, 76.6% of the 107 self-identified nongenetic practitioners said they refer patients to genetic providers to discuss cardiovascular genetic analyses. Additionally, 56% of the nongenetic practitioners expressed a lack of confidence in their knowledge of the types of cardiovascular genetic testing available, while 62% said they were not confident in ordering appropriate cardiovascular genetic tests and 45% expressed hesitance when making cardiology treatment recommendations based on genetic test results. The most sought-after topics for CME among all providers were risk assessment and management of inherited cardiac conditions based on guidelines. The authors say these findings will guide development of an online educational program for cardiovascular genetics and genetic testing in order to reduce related morbidity and mortality. They note, "Ideally, subsequent research in this area will include more practitioners from underserved areas or organizations and hospitals/medical centers that do not have genetic counselors on staff."

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