A survey developed in conjunction with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) sought to evaluate the current state of cardio-obstetrics knowledge, practices and services from U.S. cardiovascular clinicians and trainees. A total 311 cardiologists, 51 cardiovascular team (CVT) members and 139 fellows in training (FITs) completed the questionnaire. Sixty-six percent of cardiologists and 94% of CVT members said they received no formal cardio-obstetrics didactics training. Additionally, most (85%) of the 29% of cardiologists who reported some formalized training said they have been practicing for less than 14 years. Just 13% of this group said they received adequate clinical exposure to pregnant women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in training. Current FITs also reported lower levels of cardio-obstetrics training and didactic experience, with 55% saying they had attended a lecture/conference on cardio-obstetrics in the past year. In addition, 83% of FIT respondents lack a cardio-obstetrics training module in their training program, only 12% of those with formal training tended to be enrolled in large-sized programs, and just 13% of programs with formal modules require participation in rotation. Most survey respondents, especially midcareer cardiologists and CVT members, perceived the addition of cardio-obstetrics to ACC-offered educational options products positively. In addition, 46% of FITs felt cardio-obstetrics should be included in the Core Cardiovascular Training Statement requirements. "This survey substantiates the need for developing new standards for training and educating members of the cardiology workforce to optimize the care provided to pregnant and lactating women with CVD," the authors conclude. They suggest that an enhanced and expanded didactic curriculum, as well as greater exposure to pregnant and lactating women with CVD, could benefit trainees.

Read More