An International Career Development Survey of Critical Care Practitioners*

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To understand the career development needs of an international multidisciplinary group of critical care practitioners in the 21st century. DESIGN A web-accessible survey deployed by the In-Training Section of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). SETTING University health sciences center. SUBJECTS Physicians (MD, DO), Advanced Practice Provider (NP, PA), Nurses (RN), Pharmacists, and Student members of the SCCM. INTERVENTIONS The survey covered domains of demographics, opinions about career development, and opinions about the SCCM In-Training Section. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS 1,049 of approximately 16,000 SCCM members responded to the survey (7% response rate). Continuing education (280, 26.7%), leadership skills (197, 18.8%), and scientific development (192, 18.3%) are among the most important issues for the respondents. Many critical care practitioners would like to assist SCCM's efforts in career development (948, 90.4%) and many would consider some aspect of committee involvement (796, 75.9%). The SCCM In-Training Section, whose primary mission is career development across the spectrum of providers and expertise levels, needs improved advertisement (981, 93.7%). There is strong support for upcoming Annual Congresses dedicated to career development (834, 79.5%). Of the three main methods of information dissemination for SCCM career development initiatives from the In-Training Section, respondents rank email highest (762, 72.6%), followed by webpages (228, 21.7%) and I-rooms (59, 5.6%). Over half of the SCCM membership surveyed lack a career development mentor in critical care. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest assessment of the international critical care community regarding the career development needs of 21st century critical care practitioner, although the limited response rate makes this work prone to sampling bias. Career development issues are broad and in need of further development by the SCCM In-Training Section. Although these initiatives need improved marketing, the SCCM membership is willing to help support them and work to further shape them in the future.

Self-Assessment of Preparedness among Critical Care Trainees Transitioning from Fellowship to Practice

“…The transition period is the most sensitive in unveiling difficulties which derive from lack of appropriate preparation and acquired skills [16,17]. Conflict often originates from unmatched expectations [17].…”

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Deliberate Integration of Student Leadership Development in Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

“…Investigators from programs in dentistry, [58][59][60][61] medicine, 62,63 and physical therapy 64 have conducted surveys and interviews of students, academic administrators, faculty members, practitioners, and alumni to determine the need for teaching SLD and perceptions on the best approach to teaching it.…”

The Formation, Elements of Success, and Challenges in Managing a Critical Care Program

“…It has been noted that CC practitioners are most interested in better understanding elements of finance and compensation and those leadership skills important to success (1). In last month's Concise Definitive Review in Critical Care Medicine, the principles of organizing, developing, and running a program were presented.…”