Venous thromboembolism in patients, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to its common manifestation in the deep veins of the legs, is being ignored in UK hospitals despite clear, evidence-based guidelines on the use of preventative treatments. The findings, which were published in the November 2005 edition of the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine, follow a 24-month survey on medical inpatients in two major English teaching hospitals.
The study assessed 1,062 patients of which 89% were found to have moderate and high risk of developing VTE. Of this category, 71% did not receive any form of prophylaxis. Of the 29% who did, prophylaxis was implemented correctly in only 4% of moderate and high-risk patients. Presentations about the recommended guidelines to fellow clinicians, after the first round of data collection, only increased use of prophylaxis to 31%.
The survey noted that the under utilisation of prophylaxis in medical inpatients was in marked contrast to the practice on many surgical wards. Lead researcher, Dr Abdul Shlebak, said: “Clinicians and policymakers need to act on these findings if we are to reduce the incidence of VTE and prevent fatalities in hospitals.”
