Role of Pulmonary Embolism Response Team in patients with intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism: a concise review and preliminary experience from China

Intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Many of the treatment options for PE involve clinicians from multiple disciplines. Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERTs) have been developed to coordinate the multidisciplinary team of clinicians to streamline the decision making process and develop individualised treatment plans in a timely fashion. The first PERT was established in 2012 and subsequently multiple centres worldwide have introduced this model for the management of intermediate- and high-risk PE. In this review, we evaluate the organisational structure and algorithms of different PERT services and compare data from pre- and post-PERT services to determine the impact of PERT on outcomes. We consider the cost and time implications of this multidisciplinary 24-hour service and suggest areas for further research and review.