811 Surgeons Are Under-Represented in International Multidisciplinary Cardiac Guidelines
N Hara, A Navarro, A Lopez-Marco, M T Yates- Surgery
Abstract
Aim
Cardiac guidelines are written by experts in the field based on the strongest scientific evidence and clinical experience. Authorship should theoretically be equal between cardiac surgeons and cardiologists to ensure there is sufficient medical and surgical input. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether there is equal representation and contributions of surgeons and cardiologists in international cardiac guidelines.
Method
Eight international guidelines on coronary revascularisation, atrial fibrillation, aortic disease and valvular heart disease from both Europe and USA were identified. The author's primary speciality was determined using the internet search engine. Their roles were classified and presented as (Cardiologist; Surgeon; Other). Other consisted of roles including but not limited to; anaesthetists, nurses and emergency doctors.
Results
In eight international guidelines there were a total of 228 authors (Cardiologist 151; Surgeon 58; Other 19) This was distributed as follows: Coronary European (14; 7; 1), USA (13; 7; 4), Atrial Fibrillation European 17; 3; 4), USA (12; 1; 2), Aortic European (65; 14; 7), USA (8; 15; 6), Valve European (11;2;2) USA (11;7;0). Across the guidelines, there was an average of 24.7% of surgeons and 63.3% of cardiologists contributing to the authorship.
Conclusions
There is a significantly higher number of cardiologists contributing to international cardiac guidelines that guide treatment management and diagnosis of both medical and surgical patients. The inclusion of more surgeons in the authorship may provide a more balanced synopsis of optimal patient care.