“VTE and You”: Assessment of a VTE Patient Education Video (“InPHARMmercial”) and an Electronic Risk Scoring Tool in Hospitalized Medicine Patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading preventable cause of mortality in hospitalized patients, and prevention of VTE is a Core Measure of The Joint Commission. We evaluated the effectiveness of a VTE patient education video ("InPHARMmercial") on patient knowledge and satisfaction, and assessed the accuracy of electronic VTE risk assessment scores. METHODS: Medical patients receiving VTE prophylaxis were screened within 48 hours of admission. VTE risk assessment for all screened patients was independently re-calculated after initial admission assessment. Eligible patients who provided informed consent were randomized to receive standard VTE education (from their healthcare team), or standard education in addition to a 5- minute "InPHARMmercial" educational video. Within 48 hours, all patients received a survey assessing VTE knowledge and satisfaction with education. RESULTS: Among the 37 patients enrolled to date, those who watched the video (n = 13) had significantly higher VTE knowledge scores than patients who received only standard education (n = 24) (79% vs. 57%, p=0.0016). Patients who watched the video reported significantly higher satisfaction with VTE education (4.8 vs. 3.3, p=0.0004; 5-point Likert scale). Mean admission VTE risk score for screened patients (n=66) was 3 compared to 4.8 after re-scoring (p=0.0006). Forty-six of 66 screened patients (70%) had a higher re-calculated VTE risk score, and 34 (74%) of these patients had an increase in risk stratification category. Obesity was the most common under-reported risk factor (36% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: The "InPHARMmercial" educational video in combination with healthcare provider education may improve patients' knowledge of VTE and satisfaction. A significant number of patients may be receiving inadequate VTE prophylaxis due to inaccurate risk scoring and problems utilizing the electronic risk assessment tool. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We are assessing VTE rates and the impact of the video on patient compliance with VTE prophylaxis. Improved patient knowledge could potentially improve compliance. We are working with the institution's Executive VTE Committee to address VTE risk assessment discrepancies, improve appropriateness of VTE prophylaxis, and potentially expand the scope of the "InPHARMmercial" for patient education.