This month,
HIIN The Know
focuses on hospital-acquired pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), otherwise known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is one of the most common forms of preventable death in hospitals.
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According to the Venous Thromboembolism Awareness Campaign, more than two million Americans develop a VTE annually and more than 200,000 of those patients die each year.
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VTE continues to be a significant problem in the hospital setting. Long-term mortality for patients with VTE is poor, with 25 percent of patients not surviving seven days and nearly 40 percent not surviving the first year.
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There is strong evidence to support the prevention of hospital-acquired VTE with multi-faceted strategies to ensure that protective measures are carried out reliably for all applicable patients.
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Partnering with patients and families in their care improves reliability to prophylaxis and treatment plans. Education is critical for patients and families to understand how VTEs form.
While many hospitalized patients carry at least some risk of VTE, appropriate prophylaxis treatment is not always prescribed or carried out.
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Common barriers to implementing appropriate preventative treatment include:
- Lack of risk awareness.
- Conflicting guidelines.
- Underestimation of harm from clot development.
- Overestimation of harm from bleeding risks associated with preventative measures.
Through your partnership with HSAG HIIN, you can ensure best practices and strategies are implemented to support VTE awareness and reduction.
- American Heart Association. What is Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)? Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous-thromboembolism-vte. Accessed on: July 12, 2019.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Awareness Campaign. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/for-medical-professionals/quality/venous-thromboembolism-awareness-campaign. Accessed on: July 12, 2019.
- Maynard G. Designing and implementing effective VTE prevention protocols: lessons from collaboratives. Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 2010:29(2):159–166.
- Mahan C. and Horner T. Venous Thromboembolism: Role of Pharmacists and Managed Care Considerations. AJMC. December 2017. Available at: https://www.ajmc.com/journals/supplement/2017/direct-oral-anticoagulants-assessing-clinical-and-economic-value/venous-thromboembolism-role-of-pharmacists-and-managed-care-considerations. Accessed on: July 12, 2019.
