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 in oncology patients under a wide range of clinical circumstances
- Describe which groups of high risk patients should receive thromboprophylaxis as a matter of standard clinical management
- Demonstrate awareness of the benefits and risks of current and emerging pharmacotherapies for thromboprophylaxis
- Develop a strategy for improving guideline adherence and reducing thromboembolic risk in the hospital and critical care settings
