{
  "abstract": "Background Primary PCI (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a cornerstone of acute cardiovascular care. However, the sustainability of the national PPCI rota, particularly the impact on workforce wellbeing and future service delivery, remains unclear.Objective To characterise the demographics, workload distribution, and perspectives of PPCI operators in Ireland with respect to service sustainability and personal impact.Methods A national survey was distributed to all on-call PPCI operators in Ireland assessing demographics, call frequency, post-call recovery and perceived workforce sufficiency. Responses were collected anonymously and then descriptively analysed.Results Of 57 eligible PPCI operators, 48 responded ( figure 1) (84% response rate), comprising 96.5% males (n = 46) and 3.5% females (n = 2). Median age was 46 years (range 35–64). The distribution of respondents per centre was: SJH (12/12), MMUH (14/16), UHL (7/8), CUH (5/7), WUH (3/6), UHG (5/7), and LUH (1/1) (figure 2). PPCI call frequency varied widely both across and within centres, ranging from 1:4 to 1:14. Overall, 46% of operators were on a 1:4 to 1:7 rota, 10% on 1:8 to 1:10, and 44% on 1:11 to 1:15. Notably, 96% of respondents reported no protected time post-call while 53% reported that PPCI call impacted their physical or mental health and/or personal life. 37.5% felt the call frequency was excessive; 46% believed there were insufficient PPCI operators at their centre. Additionally, 48% indicated that PPCI duties limited their ability to take leave, and over 58% stated fatigue significantly impaired their post-call clinical functioning. Although most found it feasible to arrange call cover, this typically required a swap. With respect to service planning, 11 operators anticipate opting out by 2030, with this number rising to 23 by 2035. However since 2020, 21 new operators have joined the rota. When asked about an appropriate opt-out age, 38% suggested 55, 46% preferred 60, and 2 respondents favoured 50. Respondents were asked what changes they wanted implemented to the PPCI rota. Key recommendations included protected post-call rest, fairer distribution of general duties, increased staffing, non-punitive leave cover, rota participation by all public interventionalists with step-down options, split holiday cover, alignment with EU work-time standards, and improved coordination with local hospitals.Conclusion The current Irish PPCI service relies on a small, male dominated workforce with considerable variability in call frequency. The high burden of fatigue and reported impact on wellbeing highlight the need for structured rota reform, succession planning, and post-call recovery strategies to sustain national PPCI delivery.Abstract 79 Figure 1Abstract 79 Figure 2",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "S Suleiman"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "A Moore"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "J Galvin"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "R Magney"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "J O’Neill"
    }
  ],
  "title": "79 Rotas, reperfusion and retirement: a national survey of irish interventional cardiologists",
  "uid": "a9b9fddc-974f-5f2e-a08b-a67422896483"
}