118 A. G. Shackelford: J Extra Corpor Technol 2025, 57, 117--118
Table 1. 2021 ABCP survey.
Within the last several years, have you struggled to complete your 40 case requirement?( select all that apply) |
Answer Choices |
Responses |
No-- I don ' t have any issues completing my 40 case requirement. |
88.83 % |
1741 |
Yes-- Our caseload is down |
7.30 % |
143 |
Yes-- We have more perfusionists than our caseload can cover to remain certified |
1.12 % |
22 |
Yes-- our surgeon( s) mostly perform off-pump cases |
1.07 % |
21 |
Yes-- our TAVR program has reduced our CPB cases |
3.11 % |
61 |
Yes-- but I am able to get cases at other accounts |
1.58 % |
31 |
Yes-- but I have to freelance in order to get cases |
0.82 % |
16 |
Yes-- I don’ t work full time |
1.17 % |
23 |
Other( please elaborate) |
2.86 % |
56 |
|
Answered |
1960 |
|
Skipped |
266 |
clinically certified, as they, too, will use the target number. Lastly, Clinical Minutes could be helpful at a minimum, reducing stress when big life events occur, planned and unplanned. Yes, the ABCP has a process for these, but this would help simplify and reduce the number of perfusionists using that pathway.
The next question:“ How many minutes constitute a case credit, or what level of minutes would be enough to qualify for recertification?” I propose we ask the Society of Thoracic Surgeons to query their database and provide us with the following question:“ What is the most prevalent adult procedure using cardiopulmonary bypass?” My guess is CABG 3. Second, ask,“ For that type of case, what is the most common length of time on cardiopulmonary bypass?”( the mode, not the average). Then simply multiply this value by 40. We then would have a threshold, in quantifiable and readily accessible minutes, that aligns with the ABCP goals. And this number is validated as it represents the typical CPA in America. And lastly circling back to the car warranty analogy, if implemented, the recertification criteria could be 40( 25 / 15) cases or“ X” CM. For completeness, so as not to game the system, we will have put some criteria for a minimum level of CM per case for the minutes to count towards the recertification total. Perhaps half of whatever number the STS gives us( 35”). This way someone could not submit a big series of 15-minute CM.
Reiterating, I am not suggesting we abandon case counting, nor is this suggestion or parts thereof the only approach. Additionally, I do not suggest using this for any other procedures( HYPEC, NRP, etc.). However, 11 % of any community is a significant number. And it appears it will remain, if not increase. If we wish to lower or eliminate this percentage, then more pathways to recertification need to be added. This method is not drastically different from what we are already doing. It maintains the CCP ' s representation of what it has always been while addressing these barriers. This method will help the ABCP meet its mission regarding the CCP certification while reducing the“ the struggle” for the community it serves. I am asking perfusionists to join me in requesting that the ABCP consider this method. And do what it has always done when barriers arise. Lastly, I would be very honored to assist the ACBP in navigating this project.
Thank you for your“ time!”
Anthony G. Shackelford( DHA, MHA, CCP, CCT)
Department of Perfusion Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA References
1. American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion( ABCP). 2021 Annual Survey. 2021. Available at: https:// www. abcp. org / UserFiles / file / ABCP2022AnnualSurvey. pdf. Accessed September 4, 2024.
2. Turnage C, Delaney D, Kulat B, et al. A 2015--2016 survey of American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion certified clinical perfusionists: Perfusion profile and clinical trends. J Extra Corpor Technol. 2017; 49:137--149.
3. Colligan M. Results of the 2019 survey on perceptions of vacancy and turnover among perfusionists in the United States. J Extra Corpor Technol. 2020; 52:27--42.
4. American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion( ABCP). Clinical Activity Requirements. 2025. Available at: https:// www. abcp. org / recertification / clinical-activity. Accessed September 4, 2024.
Cite this article as: Shackelford AG. Finding“ Time” for recertification. J Extra Corpor Technol 2025, 57, 117--118. https:// doi. org / 10.1051 / ject / 2025036.