Ken Abraham Shaji
Introduction
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the cause of many postoperative many disabilities and even fatalities. Thus, effective prophylaxis from VTE among surgical patients is vital. According to NHS England, all surgical patients admitted need have a completed VTE risk assessment within 14 hours of admission, medication prescribed, and a VTE risk assessment completed for the patient.
Methods
31 patients admitted in surgical wards from September to November 2024 in a General Hospital were randomly selected. It was the second audit being carried on. Sample data was retrospectively collected by directly using Epic. Patients who came for emergency surgery, those being transferred to other hospital and those having enoxaparin contraindication were not included in the study. Patient records were reviewed to assess compliance to VTE prophylaxis. Compliance was measured against national and local guidelines.
Results
The finding was a decline from 44% in first cycle done in September 2023 to 39% in second cycle done in December 2024. 77% (24 out of 31) had VTE assessment form filled. 68% (21 out of 24) who had the VTE assessment form filled had the correct dose prescribed. Out of 23% (7 out of 31) who did not have a VTE assessment form done 57% (4 out of 7) had correct dose prescribed.
Conclusion
VTE prophylaxis compliance was mostly below expectation. Our study highlights the need for better training for staff, better documentation and better systems to monitor the compliance of VTE assessment. Finally, coercive powers can be beneficial to encourage people to comply with standards.
Authors
Beebee Zeba Mahetaab Mubarak
King's College Hospital, Orpington, United Kingdom
Greshma Sunny
King's College Hospital, Orpington, United Kingdom
Mary Villegas
King's College Hospital, Orpington, United Kingdom
Ahmed Helmy
King's College Hospital, Orpington, United Kingdom
Ken Abraham Shaji
King's College Hospital, Orpington, United Kingdom