Cardiologists' educational needs for preventive cardiology in Europe.

In the medical literature, there is little meaningful information available on the perceptions and opinions about the cardiologists’ educational needs regarding cardiovascular prevention. A few publications have addressed postgraduate training of cardiologists, but did not consider the trainees’ views. This lack of data regarding cardiologists’ educational needs is especially disheartening when compared to other disciplines, in particular family practice. Moreover, there is little information regarding the techniques used by practising cardiovascular specialists to facilitate prevention in their practices. In order to better understand the educational needs on the topic of preventive cardiology of different European cardiac societies, we conducted an electronic survey of the appointed national coordinators andmembers of the European Forum on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention who had the task to implement cardiovascular prevention in their countries, within the European Social Charter framework. Questions on motivation to attend an educational event, format of live (presential) and non-live (i.e. webcast) education, factors that might make an educational event successful, and educational topics to be developed were asked. Of the 43 coordinators, 29 replied (response rate 67.4%). Regarding the motivations to attend an educational event, the desire to learn best practices was indicated by 75% of participants, followed by a desire to ensure practice is up to date (72%) and getting continuing medical education credits (63%). Regarding the format of live education, case-based learning (56%) and small interactive group discussions (54%) were the most preferred, with hands-on skill building collecting 40% of positive answers. While a majority (52%) of responders wanted to attend regional conferences or symposia, only 33% were interested in large annual congresses. Participants were more enthusiastic about live formats than online video programmes or webcasts. Almost two-thirds (60%) of participants indicated that for an event to be successful, the ideal duration should be one day. An overwhelming 97% wanted an ‘easy’, geographically accessible location. Faculty reputation and programme content was an important factor for 94%. Interestingly, 77% of participants preferred the event to be conducted in their national language vs. 39% for English. Further, almost half (45%) of participants considered presence of refreshments and other extras as nonrelevant for their attending. Regarding non-live programmes, the preferred formats were internet-based point of care (55%) and online case studies (54%), printed journal supplements being indicated by one-third (34%) of participants. For an online course, the optimal duration was thought to be 30 45 minutes. The main educational topics to be developed in preventive cardiology were physical activity and stress management (85%) and hypertension (82%), followed by secondary prevention, diet and weight control, lifestyle modification, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In summary, according to the national coordinators of the European Forum on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, the best options to improve the practice of cardiovascular prevention at the national level are regional one-day conferences based on live, practical case-based learning and interactive group discussion, conducted in the national language(s) and in easily reachable venues. As a second option, online internetbased courses dealing with case studies, using national language(s) and lasting 30 45 minutes could also be effective. Therefore both cognitive and applied systems training are perceived important to improve cardiovascular prevention. The European survey results are important for the future activities of the Education Committee of the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, but they also underline the need of sound research in the expanding field of moving knowledge into action,