Implementation trial of a coaching intervention to increase the use of transradial PCI

NIH RePORTER · VA · I01 · · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Background: Of the two approaches to performing cardiac catheterization, cardiologists in the VA and US overwhelmingly choose the approach that is known to be less comfortable and more dangerous to patients and more costly to the health care system. The trans-radial approach (TRA), which is accessed via the wrist, is more comfortable for patients; is much safer with half the rate of bleeding complications; and has lower overall costs per episode of care than the trans-femoral approach (TFA), which is accessed via the groin. Yet, today in the US TRA is used in only 25%-30% of cardiac catheterizations, and in the VA is used for just over 40% of catheterizations. The reasons are that TFA predominates in the fellowships where cardiologists train to perform catherizations; certain aspects of TRA, such as the anatomy of the radial artery, make it initially more challenging than TFA; and there is a lack of training resources that address the needs for hands-on training, feedback from an expert, and training of the team. This challenge is common to many medical and surgical specialties where new, superior procedures emerge regularly. We previously developed and piloted a coaching intervention to help cath labs become “TRA-dominant.” The coaching intervention was team-based, included hands-on instruction with multiple opportunities for corrective feedback, and included a period of support and accountability beyond a training session. The pilot test garnered positive reports from participating teams; however, we do not know if it successfully increases use of TRA. Nor do we know if the coaching intervention works the way we believe it does, through creating a non-punitive atmosphere where participants develop self- efficacy with TRA, overcome the steep learning curve and become proficient. Finally, we do not know the budget impact of the coaching intervention, and whether the costs may be offset by the savings from reduced complications and associated costs. Objectives: Our objective is to improve the VA’s ability to systematically implement new technically challenging, evidence-based clinical procedures. We have 3 aims. Aim 1: Test the effectiveness of a successfully-piloted, team-based coaching intervention in increasing implementation of radial-artery access cardiac catheterization. Aim 2: Adapt, test and refine a conceptual model of team-based coaching for implementation of new procedures based on the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. Aim 3: Perform a cost analysis of the coaching intervention and effects on costs per episode of care. Methods: We will use a stepped wedge design (i.e., graduated participation) to maximize validity and permit formative evaluation of the coaching intervention to improve it in real time. The primary outcome will be change in number of TRAs as a function of all catheterizations. Secondary outcomes will include improvements in complications, and cost per catheterization. We will conduc...

Key facts

NIH application ID
10186494
Project number
5I01HX002043-03
Recipient
VA PUGET SOUND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Principal Investigator
Christian D Helfrich
Activity code
I01
Funding institute
VA
Fiscal year
2021
Award amount
Award type
5
Project period
2018-02-01 → 2021-12-31