ACC's new Cardio Safe initiative, launching this fall, will help cardiologists and cardiovascular professionals address patient- and visitor-initiated mistreatment while fostering safer, more respectful and psychologically secure clinical care environments.

Supported through a grant from The Physicians Foundation and developed by ACC's Clinician Well-Being Work Group, Cardio Safe expands the College's ongoing efforts to promote workforce well-being, professional fulfillment, psychological safety and a culture of respect across cardiovascular medicine.

Research conducted by the ACC and other national organizations has highlighted patient- and visitor-initiated mistreatment as a growing challenge across health care. These experiences can contribute to clinician burnout, emotional distress, reduced job satisfaction, and lower workplace engagement, ultimately affecting both caregivers and the patients they serve.

"Clinicians can't provide their best care if they don't feel safe, supported and respected," said Laxmi S. Mehta, MD, MBA, FACC, Cardio Safe lead and chair of ACC's Membership Committee. "The safety and well-being of clinicians is closely linked to the quality of care they provide. Cardio Safe reflects ACC's commitment to equipping both individuals and institutions with the tools needed to promote safety, respect and psychological security in every care interaction."

Cardio Safe will focus on practical skills that help cardiovascular clinicians navigate difficult situations, including communication techniques, de-escalation strategies, bystander intervention, reporting pathways and leadership engagement. It is intended for cardiologists and all members of the cardiovascular care team, regardless of career stage or practice setting.

Program offerings will include five online learning modules, a dedicated resource hub on ACC.org, and opportunities to participate in a national learning collaborative. Through these resources, participants will be able to share best practices, evaluate organizational policies, and track progress toward safer clinical environments.

"Creating safe, respectful care environments is not optional," said Geoffrey A. Rose, MD, FACC, a member of the Cardio Safe Educational Steering Work Group and ACC Board of Trustees. "While the overwhelming majority of patient-clinician interactions are positive, health care leaders must be prepared to address the situations that are not. Cardio Safe provides practical tools to help teams respond effectively, support one another, and strengthen a culture of respect for everyone involved in care."

As the ACC continues to expand its clinician well-being portfolio, Cardio Safe represents another important step toward supporting a thriving cardiovascular workforce. Once launched, the Cardio Safe Resource Hub on ACC.org will continue to evolve over time, and the ACC encourages members to contribute resources, institutional practices, and lessons learned that can help colleagues promote safer, more respectful care environments for clinicians and patients alike.

Keywords: Leadership, Workforce