Perceptions, Definitions, and Preparedness Regarding Low-Performing and Impaired Colleagues in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia: An International Survey

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Evangelia Samara - , University of Ioannina (Author)
  • Mona Momeni - , Université catholique de Louvain (Author)
  • Agathi Karakosta - , University of Ioannina (Author)
  • Anna Smyrli - , Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center (Author)
  • Konstantina Kolonia - , Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center (Author)
  • Petros Tzimas - , University of Ioannina (Author)
  • Jiapeng Huang - , University of Louisville (Author)
  • Vojislava Neskovic - , Military Medical Academy (Author)
  • Manuel Granell Gil - , Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (Author)
  • Gianluca Paternoster - , University of Basilicata (Author)
  • Abdelazeem Eldawlatly - , Assiut University (Author)
  • Mikhail Kirov - , Northern State Medical Academy (Author)
  • Evgeny Grigoryev - , Russian Ministry of Health (Author)
  • Hushan Ao - , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Author)
  • Davy Cheng - , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Author)
  • Fawzia Aboulfetouh - , Misr University for Science and Technology (Author)
  • Eric Benedet Lineburger - , Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (Author)
  • Jakob Wittenstein - , Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Mert Senturk - , Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar Universitesi (Author)
  • Zerrin Sungur - , Istanbul University (Author)
  • Abdulaziz Ahmad - , King Saud University (Author)
  • Xiaojie liu - , Qingdao University (Author)
  • Carolina Baeta Neves Duarte Ferreira - , Hospital Moriah (Author)
  • Fabio Guarracino - , University of Pisa (Author)
  • Ueda Kenichi - , Kameda Medical Center (Author)
  • Laszlo L. Szegedi - , Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) (Author)
  • Mina Tharwat Fouad BESHARA - , Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Author)
  • Marc Vives - , University of Navarra (Author)
  • Priya Ramachandran Menon - , Madinat Zayed Hospital (Author)
  • Mohamed R. El Tahan - , Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Author)

Abstract

Objective: To define low-performing colleagues in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia (LPC-CTVA), evaluate institutional preparedness to identify and manage such individuals, and identify predictors of recognition, reporting, and response behaviors. Design: International cross-sectional survey. Setting: Web-based data collection from June to September 2024. Participants: Of 878 responses, 537 (61.2%) were complete and analyzed, representing 57 countries. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: A 43-item questionnaire was developed by a multidisciplinary team and distributed via professional societies, social media, and email. It assessed definitions of LPC-CTVA, institutional protocols, and preparedness to address underperformance. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement. Thirteen of the 18 statements met consensus. Common indicators included non-compliance with infection control (80.0%), outdated knowledge (80.3%), repeated procedural failures (80.0%), and persistent negligence (79.1%). Institutional support was limited: among 464 respondents, 22.2% reported active supervision for underperformance, 15.3% reported the presence of identification mechanisms, and 11.7% indicated the existence of formal management processes. Although 39.9% of 434 had encountered a low-performing colleague, only 23.1% of 447 had reported one. Preparedness to manage impaired colleagues was reported by 46.2% of 418 respondents, and preparedness to manage underperforming colleagues by 44.1% of 416 respondents. Key barriers included the belief that others would act (33.7% of 265), perceived ineffectiveness (28.3%), and fear of retaliation (21.9%). Preparedness was more prevalent among older, more experienced clinicians, those in leadership roles, and those with prior experience in reporting. Conclusions: A consensus-based definition of LPC-CTVA has been established. However, institutional readiness and clinician confidence remain limited. Experience and structured systems enhance response capability.

Details

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 1 Sept 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-4397-1467/work/202354130

Keywords

Keywords

  • Anesthesiology, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Ethics, Performance Appraisal, Physician Impairment, Physician Performance, Professional Competence, Supervision, Vascular Anesthesia