Table 2: Definitions of Key Components of a Network-based Approach for Cardiogenic Shock.

Shock Team

A core group of medical specialists collaborating in the multidisciplinary management of CS to include: rapid diagnosis; identification of specific CS phenotypes; recommendation and facilitation of definitive interventions, including MCS; recognition of futility and engagement of palliative care; triage of patients to the appropriate clinical care environment, including transfer to the network shock hub; and identification of patients suitable for clinical trial enrollment

Shock Hub

A facility with core service components that allow high-quality, reliable, and longitudinal care, with evidence-based interventions or locally established best practices. This includes an established shock team, the use of escalation algorithms and protocols, information technology solutions to support real-time communication between the shock team and referrers, infrastructure for data collection for quality and research purposes, and enrollment of patients in clinical trials. Typically, hubs will have a range of MCS options and would usually have access to durable MCS and the capability to evaluate and list for heart transplantation

Shock Network

A formal or informal community of hospitals within a geographic region committed to high-quality clinical care, education, uniform data collection, quality improvement, and evidence generation through clinical trials

CS = cardiogenic shock; MCS = mechanical circulatory support.