A step-by-step guide to implementing a multidisciplinary endocarditis team

Abstract

Over the last several years multiple studies, primarily from European centers have demonstrated the clinical and outcomes benefits of multidisciplinary endocarditis teams. Despite this literature, adoption of this approach to patient care has been slower in the United States. While there is literature outlining the optimal composition of an endocarditis team, there is little information to guide providers as they attempt to transform practice from a fragmented, disjointed process to an efficient, collaborative care model. In this review, the authors will outline the steps they took to create and implement a successful multidisciplinary endocarditis team at the University of Michigan. In conjunction with existing data, this piece can be used as a resource for clinicians seeking to improve the care of patients with endocarditis at their institutions.

Poor long-term outcomes of intravenous drug users with infectious endocarditis

“… 23 Although psychiatry and addiction medicine are not part of our core multidisciplinary endocarditis conference attendance, our colleagues recommend attendance of these teams as part of treatment in patients with substance abuse disorder, complicating the diagnosis of endocarditis as in the case of many IVDU patients. 24 We have both of these teams at our institution, and it is the responsibility of the primary care team to make the appropriate consults if necessary. As part of the multidisciplinary endocarditis team, it would be beneficial to make this part of the recommendations as indicated for these patients.…”

“…Furthermore, a standardized multidisciplinary approach may also be beneficial. 20 , 24 , 26 As such, guidelines highlighting surgical management in IV drug users for first-time and recurrent disease, including recommendations for substance use interventions and multidisciplinary team-based care, should continue to be developed ( Video 1 ).…”

Multidisciplinary Teams for the Management of Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…In addition, the management of IE has always been complex given its propensity to cause cardiac, vascular, immunologic, neurologic, and renal complications [ 4 ]. Other factors, including delays in diagnosis and/or surgical management, may further increase the risk of mortality in patients with IE [ 5 ]. The subtype of IE (native vs prosthetic valve or implantable cardiac device endocarditis) may require access to specialized imaging modalities and expert interpretation for accurate diagnosis.…”