Assessment of Provider Readiness for a Vascular Anomalies Multidisciplinary Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tanzania

Objectives: The study aims to assess clinicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and awareness regarding the potential establishment of a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). It will also evaluate the current landscape of vascular anomalies treatment at MNH, identifying key areas for improvement. Finally, the study seeks to uncover opportunities to enhance the quality of care, foster a multidisciplinary culture, improve clinical training, strengthen patient education, and promote research collaboration. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 health care providers from relevant specialties, including interventional radiology, plastic surgery, hematology-oncology, general surgery, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, and pediatrics. Thematic analysis identified key themes in benefits, challenges, patient factors, and local structural considerations. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) need for a multidisciplinary approach, (2) barriers to establishing a multidisciplinary clinic, (3) patient-specific challenges, and (4) current clinical practices for vascular anomalies. Providers were largely supportive of a multidisciplinary model, noting its potential to enhance patient outcomes. However, challenges were highlighted, including time constraints, insufficient provider numbers, financial limitations, and the absence of clearly defined roles and interspecialty collaborations. Conclusion: The establishment of a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic at MNH could improve patient outcomes by streamlining care and reducing treatment delays. It could also address existing gaps by fostering cross-specialty collaboration, reducing treatment delays, and enhancing provider expertise. However, addressing barriers related to staffing, funding, and provider training is crucial. The current camp model provides an effective interim solution, but further efforts are needed to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration and access to care in low-resource settings. This study offers insights applicable to the development of vascular anomalies care models in other low- and middle-income countries. Level of evidence: Level 6.