DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2025.0126

Faculty Advisor

Tracy McClinton, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C and Margaret Harvey, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN, FHRS

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-4-2025

Disciplines

Critical Care Nursing | Health and Medical Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Pulmonology | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical cardiovascular emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, traditional PE management often lacks cohesion, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERTs) offer a multidisciplinary approach aimed at improving patient outcomes by streamlining diagnosis, facilitating timely interventions, and promoting evidence-based treatment. This scoping review evaluates the evidence supporting PERT efficacy across various clinical and resource-related outcomes with the aim to decrease mortality rates, shorten inpatient length of stay, improve cost efficacy, and minimize adverse events from treatment modalities.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PRISMA guidelines across databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Search terms included “pulmonary embolism,” “PERT,” “clinical protocols,” and “time to intervention.” Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on adult inpatients managed by PERTs, published within the last eight years. Of 38 articles initially identified, 13 met inclusion criteria. Data were charted and synthesized to evaluate PERT outcomes. A levels of evidence table was created to classify the strength of the studies, and an outcomes synthesis table was used to organize and display key findings for analysis.

Results

PERT implementation reduced hospital stays by up to two days and ICU stays by 1.5 days. Studies reported a 15% decrease in 30-day mortality rates for patients managed by PERT compared to traditional care pathways. PERT facilitated faster diagnostic and therapeutic 3 interventions, with time to intervention reduced by 30–40% in critically ill patients. Additionally, advanced treatment modalities, such as catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), were more frequently utilized. Cost efficacy was achieved through shorter hospitalizations and optimized resource allocation.

Implications for Nursing Practice

PERTs improve clinical outcomes and enhance resource efficiency in acute care settings. For advanced practice providers, PERT offers a collaborative framework that supports rapid, evidence-based decision-making and facilitates improved outcomes for patients with pulmonary embolism. The findings underscore the need for widespread adoption of PERT in acute care settings to standardize treatment approaches and enhance patient care. Standardization of PERT protocols and further research on long-term outcomes are recommended to solidify its role in PE management.

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