Key result
DVT training is linked to ~21-point higher nurse compliance with prevention practices.
Why the study?
Preventable complications from deep vein thrombosis arise when evidence-based prevention measures are not appropriately implemented by nurses in critical care units.
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
No
Mean Difference: 20.8
Absolute Event Rate: 80.6% vs 59.8%
p-value: p=<0.001
Critical care nurses demonstrated only partial compliance with DVT risk assessment and management, highlighting a significant need for structured, competency-based training programs.
Audit suggests variable DVT prophylaxis compliance in ICU; hypothesis-generating for nurse-targeted interventions before practice change.
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is one of the most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. Nurses play a critical role in the timely assessment and reassessment of DVT risk, administration of thromboprophylaxis, patient education, and documentation. However, when evidence-based DVT prevention measures are not implemented appropriately, preventable complications may arise. The present clinical audit was conducted to determine the compliance of nurses with DVT risk assessment, reassessment, and management in the critical care units of a selected tertiary care teaching hospital. A quantitative descriptive clinical audit design was employed. Using total enumeration sampling, the study comprised 100 Registered Nurses working in selected critical care units. Two validated structured observational checklists on DVT Risk Assessment and DVT Management practices were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Overall findings showed that the mean compliance score for DVT Risk Assessment and Reassessment was 64.4% (Partially Compliant) and for DVT Management was 61.3% (Partially Compliant). For DVT Risk Assessment and Reassessment, 26.0% of nurses were Fully Compliant, 29.0% were Partially Compliant, and 45.0% were Non-Compliant; for DVT Management, 14.0% were Fully Compliant, 32.0% were Partially Compliant, and 54.0% were Non-Compliant. Significant problems with scoring accuracy, mechanical prophylaxis, documentation, and communication were identified. The study found a statistically significant association between participation in DVT-related training and workshop attendance and nurses' level of compliance. The study identified a significant deficiency in thromboprophylaxis practice among nursing personnel working in ICUs. Organising education through structured programmes and competency-based training, establishing and maintaining standardised protocols, implementing electronic documentation systems, and conducting regular audits can enhance compliance and reinforce patient safety in critical care environments.
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Shinde et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) risk assessment and management compliance (n=100). Prior DVT training and workshop attendance vs. No prior DVT training was evaluated on Mean compliance score for DVT prevention practices (MD 20.8 percentage points, p=<0.001). Prior DVT training significantly improved nurses' compliance with DVT risk assessment and management practices, with trained nurses averaging 80.6% compliance compared to 59.8% for untrained nurses.
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