Conclusions
As the field of vascular anomalies grows and becomes more complex, the
development of a vascular anomalies MDC can improve patients’ access to
care and successful coordination of care. Since many patients require
both medical and surgical management, combining expertise in patient
management can improve patient satisfaction as well as potentially lead
to better patient outcomes. The different models of MDC each have their
own advantages and can be adapted to fit the specific needs of a patient
and medical provider community. As Telehealth becomes more readily
incorporated into routine medical care, this may provide future
opportunities for remote consultation and opportunities for specialists
with time or space constraints to collaborate in patient care. This may
also provide a pathway for improvement in transition to adult care,
which is lacking for many patients with vascular anomalies. Regardless
of mode of care delivery, central care coordination is crucial for
providing a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care. The
multidisciplinary team also allows for the collaboration between expert
professionals that extends beyond the boundaries of their individual
specialties. This reduces the potential for miscommunication and
eliminates the fragmentation of services that was once common in this
underserved, under-recognized patient population. This collaboration
also serves to increase the knowledge and experience of both
subspecialists and community providers, improving the care for both
current and future patients. Finally, partnerships with patient advocacy
groups offer another method of extending clinical reach and improving
patient-centered care.