Working to Prevent VTE
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a significant source of morbidity and mortality among both medically ill and surgical patients. VTE is frequently asymptomatic and routine screening is difficult and expensive. A recent report revealed that only 40% of at-risk medical patients and only 60% of at-risk surgical patients received VTE prophylaxis. Educational interventions that promote better thromboprophylaxis as a matter of standard clinical management are important. Adherence to the latest evidence-based guidelines and appropriate use of all available therapies could do much to reduce the large number of VTE complications suffered unnecessarily by hospitalized patients each year.
Learning Objectives
- List the risk factors for VTE and how to assess overall risk in each hospitalized patient
- Demonstrate awareness of the most recent guidelines for risk assessment and prophylaxis in VTE and identify potential gaps in relation to current practice
- Develop a strategy for improving guideline adherence and reducing thromboembolic risk within the hospital setting
New – Expert On Call
Steven B. Deitelzweig, MD, MMM, FACP, FSVMB, RVT
Please submit a question by clicking the link below. Response to questions will be answered the following Friday.
Each month, an expert in VTE will be "On Call" to answer your VTE-related questions. Check back each month for updates!
