A proposal: the need for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura Specialist Centres--providing better outcomes

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is heralded by its demanding presentation and impending mortality. The complex and life-threatening characteristics of TTP justify the need for early referral and responsive management in centres with comprehensive multi-disciplinary resources. In an era where compromise of patient safety or experience is unsatisfactory, the provision of specialist-led, organized care for this patient group remains overdue. Patients and clinical teams continue to lack the knowledge, support and resources required to achieve consistently high levels of clinical care. This forms the rationale for development of TTP Specialist Centres. In this article we focus on what we believe to be the recognized and potential merits of a specialist service provision, highlighting individual components of a high level of integrated expertise. The challenges in managing the condition from acute diagnosis to long-term care are described alongside defining key standards that represent excellence in patient care. The emphasis will be on understanding how the evolution of TTP Specialist Centres diverges from an ad hoc approach to managing this vulnerable patient group and offers promise in the translation to improved patient outcomes.