The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Cardiac Electrophysiology Training: A Survey Study

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in volume of electrophysiology (EP) procedures. There has been concern that trainees may not achieve the procedural numbers required to graduate as independent electrophysiologists within the usual timeline. We sought to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the percentage of clinical cardiac EP (CCEP) fellows in jeopardy of not meeting procedural volume requirements and overall sentiments regarding preparedness of fellows for independent practice. Methods: We surveyed CCEP fellows and program directors about baseline procedural volumes, curriculum changes due to the pandemic, and attitudes about preparedness for board examinations and independent practice. Results: Ninety-nine fellows and 27 program directors responded to the survey. Ninety-eight percent of responding fellows reported a decrease in procedural volume as a result of the pandemic. Program directors reported an overall decrease in annual number of ablations and device procedures performed by each fellow during the 2019-2020 academic year compared to the preceding year. Despite this, a minority of fellows and program directors reported concerns about meeting Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education procedural requirements for devices (9% and 4%, respectively) and ablation (19% and 9%) or preparedness for independent practice after a 2-year fellowship. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in procedural volume for CCEP trainees, but the majority of fellows and program directors do not anticipate major barriers to timely graduation. This may change with COVID-19 resurgence and further interruptions in training.

What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency training: a systematic review and analysis

“…Continued prioritization of resident safety and necessary training accommodations is needed. 52 Virginia K Singla (Nov. 2020) [ 60 ] Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Questionnaire Program directors > 1,000,000 The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in procedural volume for clinical cardiac electrophysiology procedures, but the majority of the participants do not anticipate major barriers to timely graduation. 53 Zaid S Aljuboori (Oct. 2020) [ 61 ] Neurosurgery Non- questionnaire – > 1,000,000 A significant reduction in operative volume in neurosurgery residency training programs.…”

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac rhythm management services: Views from the United Kingdom

“…The reduced levels of CRM activity has also had negative consequences on clinical training for physicians subspecialising in cardiac EP and/or devices such that the decreased procedural volume may jeopardise the preparedness of trainees for independent practice 20 , thereby having implications on the future delivery of healthcare in this area. This is especially pertinent in light of the growing number of patients on the CRM waiting list - many of whom will have their treatment delayed by several years in the current climate.…”

Electrophysiology and Interventional Cardiology Procedure Volumes During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

“…Singla et al conducted a survey of all EP fellows and program directors in the United States to assess impact of the pandemic on EP training and education. 18 Out of 99 fellows that responded, 98% reported a decrease in their procedural volume and 55% of fellows reported a period of furlough or quarantine during the acute surge of COVID. A similar survey of 14 interventional cardiology programs in New York city also reported significant reduction in catheterization procedures performed by fellows.…”