Multispecialty multidisciplinary input into comorbidities in heart failure reduces hospitalisation and clinic attendance

Aims Heart failure (HF) is associated with multiple co-morbidities which independently influence response to treatment as well as outcomes. This retrospective observational study (January 2020-June 2021) analysed the impact of monthly virtual HF multi-specialty multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings to address the management of associated comorbidities and thereby upon provision, cost of care and HF outcomes. Methods Patients acted as their own controls, with outcomes compared for equal periods (for each patient) pre versus post-MDT meeting. The MDT comprised of HF cardiologists (primary, secondary, tertiary care), HF specialist nurses (hospital, community), nephrologist, endocrinologist, palliative care specialist, chest physician, pharmacist, clinical pharmacologist and geriatrician. Outcome measures were 1) all-cause hospitalisations, 2) outpatient clinic attendances, and 3) cost. Results 334 patients (mean age 72.5±11 years) were discussed virtually through MDT meetings and follow-up duration was 13.9 ± 4 months. The mean age-adjusted Charlson Co-morbidity Index was 7.6 ± 2.1 and Rockwood Frailty Score was 5.5 ± 1.6. The mean number of clinic attendances prevented was 1.6 ± 0.4. The total cost of funding monthly meetings for the duration of the study was £32400 and the 64 clinic appointments generated cost £9600. The MDT meetings prevented 534 clinic appointments (cost saving £80,100) and reduced all-cause hospitalisations (pre-MDT meeting 1.1±0.4 vs. 0.6±0.1 post-MDT meeting; p<0.001), reduction of 1586 hospital bed-days and cost-savings of £634,400. The total cost-saving to the healthcare system was £672,500. Conclusion The HF multispecialty virtual MDT model provides integration of care across all tiers of healthcare for HF management and a holistic approach addressing associated co-morbidities. This approach can reduce the need for out-patient attendances and all-cause hospitalisations, leading to significant cost-savings. Key questions What is already known about this subject? Heart failure is associated with several co-morbid health conditions (multi-morbidity) which independently influence outcomes as well as response to treatment. What does this study add? This study assesses the impact of multispecialty multi-morbidity input into the management of co-morbidities and thereby the effect upon all-cause outcomes. How might this impact on clinical practice? Results of this study illustrate that multi-speciality management of comorbidities associated with heart failure, may not only improve all-cause outcomes but could also prove to be cost-beneficial.