Radiology-Led Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Activation: Initial Experience

This study implemented and evaluated a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) activated at the time of radiologic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). From August 2021 to March 2023, 524 PE diagnoses were made. A clinical algorithm was created using a multidisciplinary team approach. Upon PE diagnosis, diagnostic radiologists paged the PERT, who then clinically stratified PE severity. Clinical stratification of diagnosed PEs were 34% low risk, 35% intermediate-low risk, 27% intermediate-high risk, and 3% high risk. In summary, this study discusses the formation and our initial experience of a PERT activated at the time of radiology imaging diagnosis, including implementation, positive and negative attributes, and future directions.This novel algorithm showed implementing a radiology-activated PERT provides benefits including streamlined clinical stratification, improved PE detection, risk stratification, and care coordination. Further study of clinical outcomes and comparative analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) platforms is warranted.