Abstract
Background
As cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) practice evolves, the demand for specialists
continues to increase. However, CCT training remains variable globally with limited
contemporaneous data to understand this heterogeneity. We sought to understand the
role of CCT globally and the training available to underpin its use.
Methods
We performed two consecutive surveys of cardiology and radiology physicians, two years
apart, utilizing the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) website,
weblinks, social media platforms, and meeting handouts to maximize our response rate.
We compared United States (US)-based vs. international responses to understand global
similarities and differences in practice and training in the surveys.
Results
235 respondents (37% trainees and 63% educators/non-trainees) initiated the first
survey with 174 (74%) completing the core survey, with 205 providing their work location
(114 US and 91 international). Eighty-four percent (92/110) of educator respondents
stated a need for increased training opportunities to meet growing demand. Dedicated
training fellowships are heterogenous, with limited access to structural heart imaging
training, despite structural scanning being performed within institutions. The lack
of a standardized curriculum was identified as the main obstacle to effective CCT
learning, particularly in the US, with web-based learning platforms being the most
popular option for improving access to CCT training. 148 trainees initiated the second
survey with 107 (72%) completing the core components (51% North America, 49% international).
Only 68% said they would be able to meet their required CCT education needs via their
training program. Obstacles in obtaining CCT training again included a lack of a developed
curriculum (51%), a lack of dedicated training time (35%), and a lack of local faculty
expertise (31%). There was regional variability in access to CCT training, and, in
contrast to the first survey, most (89%) felt 1:1 live review of cases with trained/expert
reader was most useful for improving CCT training alongside formal curriculum/live
lectures (72%).
Conclusions
There is a need to expand dedicated CCT training globally to meet the demand for complex
CCT practice. Access to CCT education (didactic and 1:1 case-based teaching from expert
faculty), implementation of recently published global training curricula, and increased
teaching resources (web-based) as an adjunct to existing experiential learning opportunities,
are all deemed necessary to address current educational shortfalls.
Keywords
Abbreviations:
ASM (Annual Scientific Meeting), CCT (Cardiovascular Computed Tomography), FiRST (Fellow and Resident Leaders of SCCT Committee), FLP (Future Leaders Program), SCCT (Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography), US (United States)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 02, 2023
Accepted:
March 17,
2023
Received in revised form:
February 28,
2023
Received:
November 7,
2022
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.
