Recruitment Feasibility of Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease for a Multidisciplinary Intervention: Findings from the TEAM-PAD Trial.

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic progressive vascular condition with high morbidity and mortality, often necessitating comprehensive management to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Aims: This study assessed the feasibility of recruiting patients with PAD for a multidisciplinary team (MDT)-based care intervention, comparing its effectiveness to standard care within a clinical trial setting.

Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional analysis nested within the ongoing TEAM-PAD trial, this study targeted the recruitment of 30 patients within 12 weeks and evaluated recruitment, consent, and retention rates to assess feasibility.

Results: A total of 30 participants were consented within 11 weeks, with an overall recruitment rate of 36.4% and retention rate of 90%. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. Participants had a mean age of 68.9 years and a high prevalence of comorbidities. The mean 10-year cardiovascular risk (SMART-REACH) was 42.8%. In the intervention group, implementing MDT recommendations is projected to reduce this risk by 12.1%.

Conclusion: Recruitment of patients with PAD into an MDT intervention was feasible and timely, with strong retention and well-balanced baseline characteristics. While modelled estimates suggest a potential benefit from MDT recommendations, these findings are preliminary and based on a small interim cohort. Evaluation of clinical effectiveness within the larger ongoing randomised controlled trial is needed to evaluate the medium and long-term impacts of integrated vascular care.