Getting the best from the Heart Team: guidance for cardiac multidisciplinary meetings

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Existing joint British Societies recommendations for multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) were published in 2015.
• Clinical practice and guidelines in cardiac surgery have evolved since 2015.
• Standardization of MDM practices is crucial for optimal patient outcomes in cardiac surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide updated guidance on the structure and function of multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) in cardiac surgery.
• To reflect current changes and best practices in the field.
• To ensure all cardiac surgical centers implement effective MDMs.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current literature and clinical practice guidelines.
• Expert consensus development based on the British Societies' recommendations.
• Focus on MDMs involving cardiac surgeons, excluding specialized meetings like electrophysiology or complex aortic surgery.

Main Results:

• The updated recommendations address the essential components of MDM organization and operation.
• Guidance is provided for the routine inclusion of cardiac surgeons in MDMs.
• Specific exclusions clarify the scope of these recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to updated MDM guidelines is recommended for all cardiac surgical centers.
• These updated recommendations aim to enhance the quality and consistency of care for cardiac surgery patients.
• Effective MDMs are integral to modern cardiac surgical practice.