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ANZSVS Conference 2026
Title: Redefining Responsibility in PAD Care: Australian Doctors’ Perspectives on Multidisciplinary Management
Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

4:50 pm

10 September 2026

Bloom Room

Diabetic Foot disease, Limb Salvage & Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach

Disciplines

Vascular Surgery

Presentation Description

Institution: Concord Institute of Academic Surgery - NSW, Australia

Purpose: Long-term outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are driven more by cardiovascular risk than adverse limb events. Although effective risk reduction therapies exist, their implementation is inconsistent. Multidisciplinary (MDT) care improves outcomes, but in vascular surgery, MDTs focus primarily on surgical decisions with limited input into cardiovascular risk prevention. The TEAM-PAD RCT evaluated whether a virtual MDT improved guideline-based secondary prevention, while an embedded early-phase implementation study explored clinician perspectives on the MDT model, including barriers and facilitators. Methodology: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 14 MDT clinicians (6 vascular surgeons, 2 endocrinologists, 2 drug and alcohol clinicians, a nephrologist, cardiologist, geriatrician and pharmacist) were conducted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and mapped to the RE-AIM framework. Results: Perceived facilitators included clear communication, actionable recommendations for general practitioners (GPs), and improvements in patient care. The main barrier was inconsistent GP uptake of MDT recommendations, partly due to communication gaps. Clinicians expressed uncertainty about who should be responsible for cardiovascular risk management. Despite the MDT not directly involving GPs, many still felt they ought to be primarily responsible for cardiovascular risk management. However, hospital-based clinicians recognised constraints in primary care, including limited time, resources, and variable expertise. Conclusion: While there is consensus that cardiovascular risk management should occur in primary care, its delivery remains suboptimal for patients with PAD. A gap in ownership of preventive care persists. Effective MDT implementation requires clearer delineation of responsibilities, with vascular surgeons taking a more proactive role in cardiovascular risk prevention.
Speakers
Authors
Authors

Dr Miriam Wiersma - , Dr Sophie James - , Dr Ritesh Chimoriya - , Ms Jasmine Chan - , Associate Professor Sarah Aitken -