Performance analysis of interactive multimodal CME retraining on attitude toward and application of OPCAB

ObjectiveThe transfer of tacit and codified knowledge on a surgical technique is studied in a consecutive cohort of teams participating in interactive multimodal continuing medical education (CME) retraining in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB).MethodsFifty teams of 1.3 ± 0.5 surgeons and 1.1 ± 1.9 anesthetists visited 2.2 ± 0.7 days. Variables describe the pre-visit cardiac activity and OPCAB attitude, complexity score (10 frequently cited complexity criteria), application, and conversion rate. The multimodal approach to knowledge transfer included interactive discussions (commitment; resistances; levers and process of change; methods; outcome; resource optimization), active participation in 3.8 ± 1.3 unselected cases (anchor-stitch, enucleation techniques), low-fidelity bench model (shunt placement, anastomotic technique), and CD-ROM. Exit end points included OPCAB attitude and complexity score. Late end points (3 months) included OPCAB attitude, complexity score, and application rate.ResultsOPCAB was considered, upon exit, beneficial for all patients by 90% of the teams (versus 29 % pre-visit), but by only 62 % of the teams at 3 months. The complexity score downgraded at exit from 3.6 ± 2 (pre-visit) to 1.2 ± 1 (P <.001) but increased again at 3 months to 1.6 ± 1 (P =.001 versus pre-visit and P =.001 versus exit). The 3-month OPCAB rate of the surgeons was 49% ± 32% versus 23% ± 28% pre-visit (P <.0001). This was influenced by the pre-visit OPCAB rate and education, as well as by the post-visit changes in complexity scores and attitude. The conversion rate toward cardiopulmonary bypass improved from 3.5% ± 5% (pre-visit) to 1.3% ± 3% (3 months, P =.006).ConclusionsThe multimodal OPCAB re-training resulted in a substantial increase of the application, concomitant with a decrease in conversion. The positive impact on attitude and complexity score, at exit, was somewhat reduced in the following clinical confrontation.