A multidisciplinary approach to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, with special reference to the allied professionals’ perspective: a clinical consensus statement by the European Society of Cardiology Task Force on Allied Professionals with contributions from the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions, the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association, and the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Abstract Management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) requires a multidisciplinary approach based on expert input from physicians, nurses, and many different allied professionals (APs). Key challenges in CVD include health inequalities, sub-optimal risk factor detection and adherence with clinical guidelines, human resourcing issues, and inadequate patient education. Allied professionals can play key roles in addressing these challenges. However, current service models will need to be transformed to better integrate APs. Appropriate strategies may include the development of shared pathways with improved definition of roles and responsibilities, creation of ‘competency frameworks’ to facilitate advanced practice among APs, and enhanced sharing of best practice models.