Educational needs among physicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation: lessons for Poland from the European Society of Cardiology international educational needs assessment study

INTRODUCTION A study by the European Society of Cardiology assessing international educational needs has identified educational and organizational barriers preventing the implementation of optimal therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) across European countries. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to investigate educational and organizational barriers in the implementation of guideline-recommended AF care that are specific to physicians and health-care system in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS An internet-based survey was conducted to assess education, skills, and confidence in managing patients with AF among European cardiologists, neurologists, and family physicians (FPs) from 6 countries. RESULTS Out of 571 respondents, the Polish sample included 90 physicians (16%): 44 cardiologists (15%), 21 neurologists (16%), and 25 FPs (18%). Polish physicians generally reported skills and confidence similar to those presented by their foreign colleagues, but there was high uncertainty concerning skills and confidence in the identification and pathophysiological classification of AF. Also, FPs reported low confidence in applying CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and HAS-BLED scores to clinical practice. The need for access to long-term heart rhythm monitoring including implantable loop recorders was highlighted. There was a general dissatisfaction with the cooperation among Polish physicians, which was significantly higher than in other countries. CONCLUSIONS The number of substantial educational gaps among physicians from Poland and other European countries is low. Nonetheless, educational programs tailored for different specialist groups separately to improve competence are warranted. There is a clear need for improvement of communication among different specialists treating patients with AF in Poland.