A national study of infective endocarditis models of care in Australia

Multidisciplinary endocarditis team (MDET) management is supported by current evidence and recommended in international society guidelines. The extent to which this recommendation has been implemented in Australian centres and the attitudes, barriers and facilitators of this model are unclear.

To describe current infective endocarditis (IE) models of care in Australian specialist referral centres and evaluate facilitators, barriers and attitudes towards MDET implementation.

Aims were addressed using two online surveys. Survey 1 audited IE models of care and was distributed to infectious disease physicians at specialist referral centres. Survey 2 assessed barriers, facilitators and attitudes towards MDETs and was distributed via societal email listings.

From 56 identified cardiac surgery centres, survey 1 received 47 responses (84%). A total of 28% (13/47) of participating institutions had an existing MDET. A total of 85% (11/13) of MDETs were in public hospitals and 85% (11/13) were in high IE volume centres. Survey 2 had 109 respondents from seven specialties. Attitudes towards MDET implementation were generally favourable. Identified barriers to MDET implementation included a lack of funding, resources, expertise, time and collaboration. Facilitators included strong leadership, engagement from key stakeholders and tangible benefits.

Even though it is recommended in international guidelines, the MDET model is used by less than one-third of Australian specialist referral centres. Stakeholders in IE care have generally favourable attitudes towards MDET implementation but cite a lack of resources, funding, collaboration and time as barriers to this. Dedication of financial and administrative support and leadership from key stakeholders are required to increase MDET utilisation.