Key result
Multidisciplinary PE teams are available 24/7 in ~70% of centers and widely perceived to improve care.
Why the study?
Managing severe pulmonary embolism is challenging and requires dedicated multidisciplinary teams. A comprehensive overview of European centers managing severe PE through a team-based approach was needed to build an international network.
Cross-Sectional (n=160)
Yes
This international survey maps the current landscape of multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams across Europe, showing widespread 24/7 availability and perceived improvements in patient care despite resource and training challenges.
Background The management of patients with severe pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging and needs dedicated multidisciplinary teams. EXPERT-PE was initiated in 2022 with the aim of creating an international network across European countries and beyond. Methods A survey was sent to PE care centers in Europe, with questions on the existence and functioning of multidisciplinary teams for the management of (severe) PE, and the availability of advanced tools (e.g. ECMO or dedicated percutaneous therapies) as well as collaboration with larger centers when needed. The aim was to create a comprehensive overview of European centers managing severe PE through a team-based approach. Results As per January 2026, more than 160 hospitals have filled the survey from 34 countries. Affiliation was 71% academic, 20% non-academic teaching, and 9% public/private. Coordination was done by cardiology, intensive care, emergency medicine, or vascular medicine/angiology. The level of expertise was estimated to be advanced in 32%, intermediate in 42% and in early stage in 26%. The EXPERT-PE team was officially recognized by the hospital board in 50%. The team was available 24/7 in 70% of hospitals. More than 80% expressed that the multidisciplinary team had improved the quality of care for their PE patients. Among challenges mentioned were lack of time, of money and of formal training of the team. Detailed results will be provided at the congress. Conclusions This survey provides a thorough insight into the development of EXPERT-PE centers across Europe and beyond. It will ultimately help mapping out existing expertise, identify regional gaps, and highlight opportunities for future development and collaboration.
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Huisman et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Severe pulmonary embolism (n=160). EXPERT-PE multidisciplinary team management was evaluated on Existence and functioning of multidisciplinary teams for the management of severe PE, availability of advanced tools, and perceived improvement in quality of care. Multidisciplinary EXPERT-PE teams across >160 hospitals in 34 countries were available 24/7 in 70% of centers and perceived to improve PE care quality in >80%.
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