Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Management of Endocarditis: A Team of Teams

Infective endocarditis is a complex condition that impacts multiple organ systems and requires coordinated care for optimal outcomes. For individuals who might benefit from surgical intervention, prompt referral to a tertiary care facility is indicated. A patient-centered multidisciplinary team provides a framework for evaluation, management, and follow-up. Core expertise for the endocarditis team resides in cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, with the involvement of a variety of other consultants involved as needed for individual circumstances. This “Team of Teams” functions to expedite and standardize diagnostic testing, optimize hemodynamic and antimicrobial management, and facilitate early and effective surgical intervention. It remains involved throughout the patient’s hospital stay and beyond, managing outpatient antimicrobials, and other therapies as a team. It appears that patients managed in centers with an endocarditis team are more likely to undergo early surgery and their in-hospital mortality rates appear to be lower. In addition to improving patient outcomes and facilitating studies, the team approach benefits members of the team by strengthening professional relationships and producing opportunities for shared accomplishments, academic growth, and process evolution.