AN (2020) Heart University: a new online educational forum in paediatric and adult congenital cardiac care. The future of virtual learning in a postpandemic world? Cardiology in the Young 30: 560-567.

Background: Webinars have recently replaced in-person medical conferences, including paediatric cardiology conferences, given the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: With increasing environmental concerns, we analysed the differences between the environmental footprint of a paediatric cardiology webinar with a hypothetical conference. Travel data was collected, with assumptions made on the amount of computer use, internet use and accordingly the overall use of electricity for both forms of conference. Life Cycle Assessment methodology was used (OpenLCA and Ecovinvent v 3.7). Results: We showed that the theoretical environmental impact of a virtual conference is significantly less (4 tons CO2 equivalent) than the traditional international face-to-face conference (192 tons CO2 equivalent). The life cycle assessment methodology showed that resource use for a face-to-face conference lasting 2.5 days for 1374 attendees is equivalent to 400 times what an average person would use in one year, the climate change and photochemical ozone formation approximately 250 times and the eutrophication terrestrial equivalent to 225 times. However, using carbon equivalent emissions to measure environmental harm from flying is an under estimate of the potential damage, when one considers the additional production of airplane contrails. Notwithstanding this, there is a 98% reduction in climate change impact when meetings are held virtually. Conclusions: While the virtual conference may never completely replace the traditional in-person paediatric cardiology conference, due to networking benefits, the significant theoretical benefits to the environment highlighted in this study, warrants consideration for the virtual conference taking a more common place in sustainable academia.

Objective: This study investigated the impact of the Webinar on deep human learning of CHD. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey design study used an open and closed-ended questionnaire to assess the impact of the Webinar on deep learning of topical areas within the management of the post-operative tetralogy of Fallot patients. This was a quantitative research methodology using descriptive statistical analyses with a sequential explanatory design. Results: One thousand-three-hundred and seventy-four participants from 100 countries on 6 continents joined the Webinar, 557 (40%) of whom completed the questionnaire. Over 70% of participants reported that they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the Webinar format promoted deep learning for each of the topics compared to other standard learning methods (textbook and journal learning). Two-thirds expressed a preference for attending a Webinar rather than an international conference. Over 80% of participants highlighted significant barriers to attending conferences including cost (79%), distance to travel (49%), time commitment (51%), and family commitments (35%). Strengths of the Webinar included expertise, concise high-quality presentations often discussing contentious issues, and the platform quality. The main weakness was a limited time for questions. Just over 53% expressed a concern for the carbon footprint involved in attending conferences and preferred to attend a Webinar. Conclusion: E-learning Webinars represent a disruptive innovation, which promotes deep learning, greater multidisciplinary participation, and greater attendee satisfaction with fewer barriers to participation. Although Webinars will never fully replace conferences, a hybrid approach may reduce the need for conferencing, reduce carbon footprint. and promote a “sustainable academia”.

Background and Purpose: Physical inactivity after stroke stymies motor recovery, perpetuates further deconditioning, and contributes to a high long-term risk of cardiac events and recurrent stroke. This study used stakeholder input to develop a cardiac rehabilitation program specific to stroke. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was performed consisting of separate focus groups of stroke survivors, caregivers, rehabilitation clinicians, nurse practitioners along with individual physician interviews. Two experienced researchers in qualitative research methodology independently identified themes, patterns, and issues prioritized by participants. Results: Four major themes emerged: safety, individualization of the cardiac rehabilitation program, return to function and living at highest potential, and need to maintain prolonged activity. Major components identified in developing the cardiac rehabilitation program included: Individualized stroke survivor education pertaining to fall prevention, safe aerobic exercise and learning how to live well after stroke (e.g., fitness, nutrition, chronic disease management, etc.); Exercise/stress testing prior to aerobic exercise; Determine when to begin cardiac rehabilitation post stroke (e.g., readiness, needs, resources, benefit, etc.), individualize approach and timing after holistic assessment; Education/training of cardiac rehabilitation professionals regarding best care practices for stroke survivors; Interdisciplinary approach to assure safety and continuum of care; Referral programs for IADLs, driving, sexual function, etc.; Motivational interviewing to overcome barriers with inclusion of peer mentoring/coaching; Discharge to cost effective community programs or a sustainable home program. Conclusions: Addressing safety concerns along with the creation of an individualized cardiac rehabilitation program that enables stroke survivors to achieve and maintain their highest level of function long-term are fundamental components. Partnering with the major stakeholders and incorporating a coordinated interdisciplinary approach are crucial to the creation of a feasible and cost effective cardiac rehabilitation program for stroke survivors.

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