Creation, Structure, Organization, and Operations of PERTs

The management of pulmonary embolism is complex, dynamic, and rapidly evolving. Recently, the field has seen the development and adoption of new technologies as well as systems of care that have challenged conventions. Many of these newer therapies currently lack a strong body of evidence to support their use and thus require thoughtful multidisciplinary insight when deployed. In an effort to leverage expertise in these kinetic circumstances, the development of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) has gained traction. This chapter discusses the process of PERT development, with a particular focus on the specialties involved, the importance of interdisciplinary communication, and optimization of systems to allow for effective care delivery. Additionally, this chapter highlights how PERT can be developed into an institutional benefit, by creating time sensitive responses that mobilize diverse resources while allowing for uniquely tailored treatment plans. As all new endeavors are fraught with challenges, this chapter explores the creation of metric targets that allow for objective review of PERT performance and discusses strategies for quality improvement. Lastly, the chapter closes with several cases of PERT utilization across various intuitional structures and provides tangible examples of how PERT can be deployed.