Endocarditis: updates for clinical practice

Infective endocarditis, or inflammation of the endocardium, is a relatively rare condition with a reported incidence of between 3–10 cases per 100000. However, it is associated with poor patient outcomes including increased morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stay, and reduced quality of life, resulting in a significant burden on the healthcare system. Nurses and allied health professionals must be familiar with contemporary evidence-based guidelines to optimise patient care and improve outcomes. This article provides an overview of the European Society of Cardiology 2023 guidelines and recommendations for the management of patients with endocarditis.