Prevention of hospital-associated venous thromboembolism — Insight from the Getting It Right First Time thrombosis survey in England

Abstract

A national Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prevention Programme was introduced in England in 2010, with limited subsequent study of its impact. Whilst the National Outcomes Framework reports VTE deaths related to hospitalisation annually, there are little data regarding VTE prevention practice or non-fatal VTE associated with hospitalisation. We report the first national thrombosis survey undertaken in collaboration with Getting It Right First Time. 98 Trusts (103 sites, 67% of 144 invited) participated in at least one survey, contributing data regarding VTE prevention in 9553 patients. Anti-coagulant thromboprophylaxis was prescribed to 88% (when indicated), with 8.1% of patients missing doses. Written patient information was provided to 31%. Of 4595 episodes of hospital-associated VTE, 13% were considered potentially preventable. The survey highlights the success of the national programme and areas for improvement in delivery of thromboprophylaxis and patient information.