Key result
An electronic protocol for thromboprophylaxis resulted in initiation rates of 85.1% during hospitalization and 94.8% at discharge among patients undergoing orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.
Why the study?
Venous thromboembolism remains a problem in surgical patients because thromboprophylactic measures are not always implemented.
Does an electronic prescription protocol improve thromboprophylaxis initiation in surgical patients?
Cross-Sectional (n=114)
No
Does an electronic prescription protocol improve thromboprophylaxis initiation in surgical patients?
Embedding a thromboprophylaxis protocol in the electronic prescription system effectively ensures high rates of appropriate prophylaxis initiation in surgical patients.
May support electronic protocols for high thromboprophylaxis rates in surgery; leaves open need for RCTs to confirm VTE prevention.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) continues to be a problem in surgical patients, but thromboprophylactic measures are not always implemented. This study aimed to evaluate thromboprophylaxis practice in surgical patients at our institution by assessing appropriateness during admission and discharge; 60-day clinical outcomes are analyzed, and finally further interventions are discussed for continued improvement. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in patients undergoing orthopedic and abdominal surgical procedures. Initially, the institution protocol was updated and embedded in the Computerized Physician Order Entry system. We then assessed prospective adequacy of thromboprophylaxis as per established in the protocol. The primary endpoint was thromboprophylaxis initiation and, secondarily, the quality of related prescriptions during hospitalization and at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included in the study. According to VTE risk, thromboprophylaxis was initiated in 85.1% of the patients as needed during hospitalization and 94.8% at discharge. The following inadequacies versus the protocol were found: no duration information in the discharge summary (32.5%), incorrect postsurgical administration time of pharmacological prophylaxis (15.8%), omission of mechanical prophylaxis (13.7%), misdosing (9.6%), and omission of pharmacological prophylaxis (2.6%). No VTE events occurred 60 days postdischarge. CONCLUSION: The electronic protocol was an effective tool, as evidenced by the fact that thromboprophylaxis was initiated in the majority of surgical patients in our institution during hospitalization and at discharge. Still, some aspects leave room for improvement (duration, dosing, and timing), and further measures such as implementation of Electronic Medication Administration Records and new functionalities in the Clinical Decision Support systems are proposed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ribed et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Venous thromboembolism risk in surgical patients (n=114). Electronic protocol for thromboprophylaxis was evaluated on Thromboprophylaxis initiation. An electronic protocol for thromboprophylaxis resulted in initiation rates of 85.1% during hospitalization and 94.8% at discharge among patients undergoing orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: