Advancing the Contemporary Multidisciplinary Heart Valve Team: Update on Priorities for Clinicians and Programs

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The multidisciplinary heart team (MDT) is crucial for advancing valvular heart disease (VHD) treatments.
• Guideline endorsement and regulations have inadvertently reduced the MDT's perceived value and team engagement.
• The current VHD MDT model requires adaptation to meet contemporary healthcare needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an evolution of the VHD MDT to maintain its impact and enhance patient care.
• To address barriers in VHD detection, diagnosis, and referral for aortic stenosis patients.
• To strengthen the MDT for mitral and tricuspid valve disease with expanded expertise and patient-centered processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of the current VHD MDT structure and its challenges.
• Analysis of contemporary priorities in VHD management.
• Recommendations for recalibrating MDT principles for clinicians and programs.

Main Results:

• The VHD MDT must expand its scope for aortic stenosis to improve timely access to care.
• The MDT for mitral and tricuspid valve disease requires enhanced expertise in imaging, procedural guidance, and complex VHD management.
• A recalibrated MDT approach can promote quality care and a patient-centered VHD collective.

Conclusions:

• Evolving the VHD MDT is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Strengthening the MDT with diverse expertise and patient-centered processes is key for complex VHD.
• A nimble, tailored, and efficient MDT approach will improve the VHD patient journey.