Evaluation of university and training standards in clinical perfusion, a european-wide survey

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVES Adequate theoretical and practical training of prospective clinical perfusionists is essential for maintaining clinical standards and ensuring patient safety during cardiac surgery procedures. Perfusion schools play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining higher education and training standards in clinical perfusion. The aim of this study is to obtain a comprehensive overview of European training standards in clinical perfusion in 2023. METHODS For this study, 53 perfusion schools in Europe were found and contacted, of which 30 (56,6%) responded, giving a sample size of n = 30, which were then included in the data analysis. The quantitative data of the survey are analysed using descriptive methods. RESULTS The university and training standards in clinical perfusion in Europe vary in many respects. Starting with the entry criterion for studies (most frequently a required bachelor's degree 36.7% or second most common an university entrance qualification 30%), the duration (from less than 12 months (13.3%) up to 36 months (13.3%)) and regarding the content of the teaching in clinical perfusion (less than 30 ECTS (33.3%) and more than 180 ECTS (6.7%)). The mean value for teaching in clinical perfusion content is 62.63 ECTS credits. CONCLUSIONS The obtained results show important differences between countries and schools. As such they form a valuable database for future discussions establishing a common European curriculum and training standards for perfusionists. For the generalisability of the results, further evaluations and larger samples are needed.