A recent ACC survey underscores the need for developing new standards for training and educating the cardiovascular workforce in cardio-obstetrics. The survey findings were published April 18 in Journal of the American Heart Association.

The survey was conducted from June 18 to July 29, 2020, and assessed the knowledge and attitudes of cardiologists (n=311), cardiovascular team members (n=51), and fellows in training (FITs) (n=139) about the provision of cardiovascular care to pregnant patients and the prevalence and composition of cardio‐obstetrics teams.

While approximately one-third of respondents (30%) said they evaluate at least one pregnant patient each month and the majority (86%) see at least one pregnant patient each year, at least 40% indicated they felt less comfortable evaluating pregnant patients compared with nonpregnant patients. The widest knowledge gaps on the care of pregnant patients compared with nonpregnant patients were reported for medication safety (42%), acute coronary syndromes (39%), aortopathies (40%), and valvular heart disease (30%).

Among other key findings, 76% of respondents said they lack access to a dedicated cardio-obstetrics team, while 71% of practicing cardiologists and 83% of current FITs reported no formal cardio-obstetrics training. “The results also highlight a large self‐perceived deficit in the clinical knowledge and competency base for both cardiovascular clinicians in practice and those in training across the spectrum of cardio‐obstetrics topics,” said Natalie A. Bello, MD, FACC, et al.

According to the authors, the “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 cardiovascular disease, and to facilitate the expansion of dedicated cardio‐obstetrics centers.” They note that eliminating inconsistencies in care and broadening education is “particularly important” given recommendations for preconception counseling for women with underlying cardiovascular disease and increased recognition of the risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality during the postpartum period.

“These efforts will improve the care we provide to women with cardiovascular disease who are planning or experiencing pregnancy and help reverse the alarming increase in rates of maternal morbidity and mortality experienced in this country,” the authors conclude.

Clinical Topics: Acute Coronary Syndromes, Cardiovascular Care Team, Valvular Heart Disease

Keywords: Attitude, Counseling, Heart Valve Diseases, Workforce, Cardiology, Lactation, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Cardiovascular Diseases, Obstetrics

< Back to Listings