Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in the acute hospital care setting (ENDORSE study): a multinational cross-sectional study

Right needle, right patient, right time? A national flash-mob audit of thromboprophylaxis in palliative care

BACKGROUND

The prevention of hospital associated thrombosis in palliative care remains controversial yet many countries recommend the documented risk assessment and where appropriate pharmacological prophylaxis of inpatients with advanced cancer.

AIM

To audit adherence to national guidelines which require hospitalised patients to be risk assessed and receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis.

DESIGN

A one day "flash-mob" audit across multiple clinical inpatient sites across the United Kingdom.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Inpatients receiving palliative care within hospitals, hospices and specialist palliative care units across the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 1125 patients (514 hospital and 611 hospice/specialist palliative care units). Appropriate thromboprophylaxis was observed in 90 % of hospital and 90 % hospice/specialist palliative care units. Documented risk assessment was only found in 79 % and 71 % of patient notes respectively. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was contraindicated in 88 % of hospice/specialist palliative care unit patients due to bleeding risk or receiving end-of-life care. Twenty-four percent of patients in hospital had contraindications due to receiving end of life care, bleeding risk and thrombocytopenia. Patients in hospice/specialist palliative care units were of poorer performance status prior to admission with a history of gradual deterioration. Hospitalised patients were more likely to have been admitted following an acute deterioration of previous good performance status.

CONCLUSION

Thromboprophylaxis guidelines were followed correctly for the majority of patients. There were considerable differences in the demographics of patients according to place of admission. Patients admitted to hospice/specialist palliative care units were sicker and had more contraindications to prophylaxis than those admitted to hospital. Thromboprophylaxis focused research data conducted in hospices is unlikely to be applicable to the care of palliative care patients admitted acutely to hospital.

Prescription appropriateness of anticoagulant drugs for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized multimorbid older patients

The aims were to assess: the prescription prevalence of anticoagulant drugs for thromboprophylaxis (TP) in hospitalized older patients; the appropriateness of their prescription or non-prescription; the in-hospital mortality in appropriately versus non-appropriately prescribed or not prescribed patients. 4836 patients aged 65 or older, admitted to the Italian internal medicine and geriatric wards participating to the REPOSI register from 2012 to 2019 were assessed for prescription of anticoagulant drugs for TP at admission and/or during hospital stay. The Padua Prediction Score (PPS) and the IMPROVE score were used to assess the thrombotic and bleeding risk. Patients were considered to be appropriately prescribed when had PPS ≥ 4 and IMPROVE < 7, and appropriately not prescribed when PPS < 4. Logistic regression model was used to assess whether appropriateness was associated with in-hospital mortality. Among 4836 patients included, anticoagulants were prescribed for TP in 1233 (25.5%). In all, 4461 patients were assessable for appropriateness: 3136 (70.3%) were appropriately prescribed or non-prescribed according to their thrombotic and bleeding risk. Among 1138 patients receiving prophylaxis, only 360 (31.7%) were appropriately prescribed, while among 3323 non-prescribed patients, 2776 (83.5%) were appropriately non-prescribed. The in-hospital mortality rate was lower in patients appropriately prescribed or non-prescribed than in those inappropriately prescribed or non-prescribed (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46-0.83). In conclusion, a high prevalence of multimorbid hospitalized patients were appropriately prescribed or non-prescribed for TP with anticoagulants, appropriate non-prescription being mainly driven by a high bleeding risk. The appropriateness of prescription or non-prescription was associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

A systematic approach to venous thromboembolism prevention: a focus on UK experience

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality associated with hospitalization. Despite evidence that providing appropriate thromboprophylaxis to those at risk of VTE in hospital, recent data suggest that the delivery of thromboprophylaxis remains suboptimal across the globe, with a lack of standardization in approach to VTE prevention. This review considers the role of VTE risk assessment and interventions to improve the implementation of the VTE prevention pathway and highlights the systematic approach to VTE prevention adopted in England and its impact. Finally, the critical areas for further research and the emerging data presented during the 2022 ISTH annual congress in London, UK, are summarized.

VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM - PECULIARITIES OF COURSE IN EMERGENCY SURGERY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To perform a comparative analysis of VTE in patients with acute surgical abdominal pathology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: Retrospective study covered 53062 patients operated in the surgical clinic (Lviv city emergency hospital) in 2000-2019. Prospective analysis was based on the results of treatment of 546 patients operated at the same surgical clinic from April 2020 (1st surgical patient with COVID-19) till December 2021. The study analyzed 48 (8.8%) patients operated for acute abdominal pathology and confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.

RESULTS

Results: In the 1st group, heparin prophylaxis was used in 42.3% of patients, of which non-fractionated heparin were used in 58.6% and low molecular weight heparin - in the remaining patients. From 2020 to 2021, pharmacoprophylaxis was used in 84.5% of cases, of which 67.2% - low molecular weight heparins, 20.1% - non-fractionated heparins and 12.7% - modern oral anticoagulants. The results were unexpected: with a significant increase in the ve¬nous thromboembolism prevention in the 2nd group, a decrease in the number of episodes of thromboembolic complications was not observed. In contrast, pulmonary artery embolism was recorded in 10.6% of patients in the 1st group and 23.5% - in 2nd group, which is a 2.2-fold increase in fatal cases of venous thrombosis (p<0.05) in patients with COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Increase of mortality due to pulmonary artery embolism more than twicefold in patients with COVID-19 operated for acute surgical abdominal pathology is an objective evidence of a potentiated, uncontrolled risk of venous thromboembolism and requires further in-depth study.

Thromboembolic Disease in Haemophilic Patients Undergoing Major Orthopaedic Surgery: Is Thromboprophylaxis Mandatory?

Haemophilia is a rare genetic disorder, that results from various degrees of deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (haemophilia A), or factor IX (haemophilia B), with an X-linked transmission. The patients affected are in the majority of cases males (who inherit the affected X-chromosome from the maternal side), with rare cases of females with haemophilia (FVIII or FIX < 40 IU/dL), situations in which both X-chromosomes are affected, or one is affected, and the other one is inactive (known as carrier). The hypocoagulable state due to the deficiency of clotting factors, manifests as an excessive, recurrent tendency to bleeding, which positively correlates with plasmatic levels. Severe haemophilia results in hemarthrosis, although recent data have shown that moderate or even mild disease can lead to joint bleeding. Recurrent episodes of haemorrhages, usually affecting large joints such as knees, elbows, or ankles, lead to joint remodelling and subsequent haemophilic arthropathy, which may require arthroplasty as a last therapeutic option. Orthopaedic patients have the highest risk among all for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) with morbid and potentially fatal consequences. While for the rest of the population thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery is efficient, relatively safe, and widely used, for patients with haemophilia who are considered to have a low thromboembolic risk, there is great controversy. The great heterogeneity of this particular population, and the lack of clinical trials, with only case reports or observational studies, makes thromboprophylaxis in major orthopaedic surgery a tool to be used by every clinician based on experience and case particularities. This review aims to briefly summarise the latest clinical data and to offer an insight into the current recommendations that readers would find useful in daily practice.

Modern thromboprophylaxis protocol based on guidelines applied in a respiratory intensive care unit: a single-center prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to explore the prophylaxis effect under a guideline-based thromboprophylaxis protocol among critically ill patients in a respiratory ICU.

METHODS

For this single-center prospective cohort study, we followed the thromboprophylaxis protocol, which was drawn up based on relevant guidelines and Chinese experts' advice. Clinical data were entered into an electronic case report form and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore independent risk factors of VTE event under this protocol.

RESULTS

From August 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020, 884 patients underwent thromboprophylaxis according to this protocol; 10.5% of them received mechanical prophylaxis, 43.8% received pharmacological prophylaxis, and 45.7% received pharmacological combined with mechanical prophylaxis. The proportion of VTE events was 14.3% for patients who received the thromboprophylaxis protocol, of which 0.1% had pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), 2.0% had proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 12.1% had isolated distal DVT. There was no significant difference between different thromboprophylaxis measures. Cirrhosis (OR 5.789, 95% CI [1.402, 23.894], P = 0.015), acute asthma exacerbation (OR 39.999, 95% CI [4.704, 340.083], P = 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (OR 22.237, 95%CI [4.824, 102.502], P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for proximal DVT under thromboprophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

The thromboprophylaxis protocol based on guidelines applied in the ICU was practicable and could help decrease the proportion of PTE and proximal DVT events. The risk factors of VTE events happening under the thromboprophylaxis protocol require more attention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02213978.

Complications of Vascular Disease

Vascular diseases and their sequelae increase perioperative risk for noncardiac surgical patients. In this review, the authors discuss vascular diseases, their epidemiology and pathophysiology, risk stratification, and management strategies to reduce adverse perioperative outcomes.

Venous thromboembolism risk screening, training and provider awareness in Australian residential aged care facilities

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the geriatric post-surgical population, and its prevention is a public health priority. The aim of this study was to assess the use of VTE risk screening and training protocols, and VTE awareness in the Australian residential aged care sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted that was directed at facility and policy managers of community aged care facilities with ≥10 residents in two Australian states and territories. Forty-nine of 301 (16.3%) providers responded, representing 249/871 (28.6%) aged care facilities and 20,958/66,121 (31.7%) residents. VTE risk screening protocols were used by 1.2% of facilities (3/249), and 79.5% (198/249) were unaware that VTE is an issue in this population. Only 0.8% (2/249) were aware that risk screening and prophylaxis is required to prevent VTE; none were acting upon this. No facility had specific VTE risk assessment or prevention processes in place. Most residential aged care facilities surveyed do not have VTE risk screening protocols and were unaware of the risk that may be associated with this omission. These results have implications for development and implementation of national and international VTE risk screening guidelines in community care.

Using an Institute Model to Reduce the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Within a Large Hospital System

Internal benchmarking showed that the Orthopedic Institute had an above average rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) along with other institutes. The Orthopedic VTE Quality Team was assigned to investigate opportunities for improvement to share with other institutes. To investigate the issues and barriers to the administration of chemical and mechanical VTE prophylaxis, data collection included real-time point prevalence study, physician and nursing surveys, and electronic medical record audits. The results of the data collection indicated inconsistencies in nursing and patient care. Therefore a VTE policy and VTE educational poster was developed. In conjunction, nursing education will be completed to describe the best practice for sequential compression devices and anticoagulant therapies and documentation. The physician will be notified for refusals on either mechanical or chemical prophylaxis.

Current and emerging drug strategies for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical inpatients

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients hospitalized for acute medical illnesses. Therefore, medical inpatients require a careful VTE and bleeding risk assessment to drive optimal strategies for VTE prevention. Low molecular weight heparin and fondaparinux have long been used for inhospital prophylaxis for patients at increased risk of VTE. The selection of patients who require post-discharge prophylaxis, and the role of direct oral anticoagulants remain debated. New molecules currently under development may contribute to improve the risk benefit of VTE prevention in this setting.

AREAS COVERED

This text summarizes the evidence on approved treatments and on other drugs for the prevention of VTE in acutely ill medical patients. The main focus is on their pharmacological proprieties, clinical efficacy and safety, and the current license approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency), giving the readers a way to compare available drugs to date. The trials presented consider both inhospital and extended prophylaxis.

EXPERT OPINION

Thanks to the potentially favorable safety profile, factor XI inhibitors may play a role in the prevention of VTE in this setting. The expert opinion section discusses pharmacological properties, prophylaxis trials, and potential clinical applications of this novel class of drugs.

Assessment of the Effect on Thromboprophylaxis with Multifaceted Quality Improvement Intervention based on Clinical Decision Support System in Hospitalized Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of multifaceted quality improvement intervention based on the clinical decision support system (CDSS) in VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients. Methods: A randomized, department-based clinical trial was conducted in the department of respiratory and critical care medicine, orthopedic, and general surgery wards. Patients aged ≥18 years, without VTE in admission, were allocated to the intervention group and received regular care combined with multifaceted quality improvement intervention based on CDSS during hospitalization. VTE prophylaxis rate and the occurrence of hospital-associated VTE events were analyzed as primary and secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 3644 eligible residents were enrolled in this trial. With the implementation of the multifaceted quality improvement intervention based on the CDSS, the VTE prophylaxis rate of the intervention group increased from 22.93% to 34.56% (p < 0.001), and the incidence of HA-VTE events increased from 0.49% to 1.00% (p = 0.366). In the nonintervention group, the VTE prophylaxis rate increased from 24.49% to 27.90% (p = 0.091), and the incidence of HA-VTE events increased from 0.47% to 2.02% (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Multifaceted quality improvement intervention based on the CDSS strategy is feasible and expected to facilitate implementation of the recommended VTE prophylaxis strategies and reduce the incidence of HA-VTE in hospital. However, it is necessary to conduct more multicenter clinical trials in the future to provide more reliable real-world evidence.

Protocol for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in varicose vein surgery of the lower limbs

Pulmonary embolism is the most feared complication of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in the world, after acute myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk of VTE is virtually universal in hospitalized patients, especially those with reduced mobility. Although variable in incidence between clinical and surgical patients, up to 66.6% of events related to hospitalizations can occur after discharge, with this risk remaining for up to 90 days. Despite all the investment made in VTE prophylaxis in recent decades, there is still no consensus or specific guidelines for its prevention in patients undergoing conventional surgery for varicose veins of lower limbs. The adoption of a validated risk assessment model for VTE prophylaxis, based on the current literature, may help in the implementation and standardization of VTE prophylaxis in conventional lower limb varicose vein surgery, in addition to this benefit, it may lead to a reduction in the length of hospital stay and the number of readmissions.

Simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty is a common orthopedic surgery for treating primary or secondary hip osteoarthritis. Bilateral total hip replacement could be performed in a single stage or two separate stages. Each surgical procedure's reliability, safety, and complications have been reported controversially. This study aimed to review the current evidence regarding the outcomes of simultaneous and staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Eligible studies compared complications and related outcomes between simultaneous and staged bilateral THA. Two reviewers independently screened initial search results, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method to perform the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In our study, we included 29,551 patients undergoing simBTHA and 74,600 patients undergoing stgBTHA. In favor of the simBTHA, a significant reduction in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and systemic, local, and pulmonary complications was documented. However, we evidenced an increased pulmonary embolism (PE) and periprosthetic fracture risk in simBTHA. In the simBTHA, total blood loss, length of hospital stay, and total cost were lower.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that simultaneous bilateral THA accompanies fewer complications and lower total cost. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to provide robust evidence.

Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients: Incidence and Adequacy of Thromboprophylaxis - A Retrospective Study

Purpose

We aimed to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism among hospitalized patients in Qatar as well as to analyze the adequacy of VTE assessment and prophylaxis in hospitalized patients.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Four hospitals under Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.

Participants

Patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized between January 2015 and December 2019 and developed venous thromboembolism during hospitalization or within a month after discharge were included.

Results

During the study period, 641,994 individuals were admitted to hospitals. The inclusion criteria were satisfied by 209 of them. The mean age was 51.25 years and 54.5% were males. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities found in the overall group. The incidence of VTE was 32.55 [95% CI 28.4, 37.3] per 100,000 admission per year [0.032%]. The annual incidence was least in 2015 (17.8 per 100,000 admissions) and highest in 2018 (44.4 per 100,000 admissions). Eighty-six subjects had DVT, and 109 had PE, whereas 14 had both. And, 67.5% of the patients developed VTE during admission while, 32.5% developed within 1 month of discharge. Moreover, 22.9% of the patients with PE developed pulmonary embolism after discharge from the hospital. VTE assessment was performed on 64.7% of the patients, and 69.7% received VTE prophylaxis in accordance with guidelines.

Conclusion

Although the occurrence of VTE among hospitalized patients in Qatar is low, healthcare providers need additional education and knowledge of VTE assessment and prophylaxis to follow guidelines for all patients at the time of admission. Furthermore, risk assessment for VTE should be done for all patients at the time of discharge to decide on post-discharge prophylaxis so that incidence of VTE after discharge can be minimized. Future studies should focus on patients who developed VTE after discharge from the hospital as well as on various risk factors.

Secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism: Predictors and outcomes of guideline adherence in a long-term prospective cohort study

Background

Prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) is considered a main goal of VTE management. However, the extent to which physicians adhere to the recommendations from evidence-based guidelines is unknown.

Aim

From a large, prospective clinical cohort, we aimed to (1) quantify the adherence of treatment recommendations to evidence-based guidelines and establish its predictors, and (2) estimate its impact on clinical outcomes and costs in patients with VTE.

Methods

We included 6'243 consecutive patients with VTE treated at the university outpatient unit. Detailed clinical characteristics and treatment recommendations were recorded. Adherence of treatment recommendations to evidence-based guidelines at risk assessment was assessed in terms of duration of anticoagulant treatment. Data on death were obtained from the Swiss Central Compensation Office. Health care claims data recorded between 2014 and 2019 were retrieved from Helsana, one of the largest Swiss health insurance companies.

Results

The adherence to evidence-based guidelines was 36.1%. Among patients with non-adherence, overtreatment was present in 70.1%. Significant patient-related predictors of guideline adherence were (a) age above 50 years, (b) male sex, (c) pulmonary embolism, (d) unprovoked VTE, (e) multiple VTE, (f) laboratory tests not ordered, and (g) various cardiovascular comorbidities. Non-adherence was not significantly associated with mortality, hospitalization, admission to nursing home, and costs.

Conclusions

The adherence to evidence-based guidelines was low, and several unrelated predictors appeared. Although these results need to be confirmed in other settings, they highlight the need for implementation of evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice.

Management of Decompensated Cirrhosis in the Surgical ICU: an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee Clinical Consensus Document

Management of decompensated cirrhosis (DC) can be challenging for the surgical intensivist. Management of DC is often complicated by ascites, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, and difficulty assessing volume status. This Clinical Consensus Document created by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Critical Care Committee reviews practical clinical questions about the critical care management of patients with DC to facilitate best practices by the bedside provider.

Racial differences in venous thromboembolism: A surveillance program in Durham County, North Carolina

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects approximately 1-2 individuals per 1000 annually and is associated with an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension, postthrombotic syndrome, and recurrent VTE.

Objective

To determine risk factors, incidence, treatments, and outcomes of VTE through a 2-year surveillance program initiated in Durham County, North Carolina (population approximately 280,000 at time of study).

Patients/Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of data actively collected from three hospitals in Durham County during the surveillance period.

Results

A total of 987 patients were diagnosed with VTE, for an annual rate of 1.76 per 1000 individuals. Hospital-associated VTE occurred in 167 hospitalized patients (16.9%) and 271 outpatients who were hospitalized within 90 days of diagnosis (27.5%). Annual incidence was 1.98 per 1000 Black individuals compared to 1.25 per 1000 White individuals (p < 0.0001), and Black individuals with VTE were younger than White individuals (p < 0.0001). Common risk factors included active cancer, prolonged immobility, and obesity, and approximately half were still taking anticoagulant therapy 1 year later. A total of 224 patients died by 1 year (28.5% of patients for whom outcomes could be confirmed), and Black patients were more likely to have recurrent VTE than White patients during the first 6 months following initial presentation (9.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Ongoing surveillance provides an effective strategy to identify patients with VTE and monitor treatment and outcomes. We demonstrated that hospital-associated VTE continues to be a major contributor to the burden of VTE and confirmed the higher incidence of VTE in Black compared to White individuals.

Inpatient primary prophylaxis of cancer-associated thromboembolism (CAT)

PURPOSE

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) increases morbidity and mortality in oncology patients. The risk of CAT is increased with hospitalization for acute medical illness. The goal of this review will be to examine the available evidence for (1) risk assessment and (2) primary thromboprophylaxis, (3) international published guideline recommendations, and (4) future directions to manage oncology patients admitted for an acute medical illness.

METHODS

A review was performed for each subject to gather information on the available evidence and recommendations available for oncology patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness.

RESULTS

Risk assessments for thrombosis are primarily developed and validated in the general population. There is not a risk assessment that has specifically been developed and validated in oncology patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness. Most evidence for thromboprophylaxis of oncology patients is from sub-group analysis of larger randomized-controlled trials in the general population. Evidence is conflicting and suggests an individualized approach evaluating the risk-benefit of thromboprophylaxis. The strength of recommendations of international guidelines is limited because of the available evidence. Guidelines usually recommend utilizing and/or offering thromboprophylaxis to oncology patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness barring contraindications. Future evidence needs to improve risk assessments and knowledge of the appropriate agent, dose, and duration of thromboprophylaxis if indicated.

CONCLUSION

Evidence for risk assessments and primary prophylaxis for oncology patients hospitalized for acute medical illness appears limited, with many research opportunities available to improve understanding on management of this patient population.

Risk stratification for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in medical patients (RISE): Protocol for a prospective cohort study

Background

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the leading preventable causes of in-hospital mortality. However, its risk assessment in medically ill inpatients is complicated due to the patients’ heterogeneity and complexity of currently available risk assessment models (RAMs). The simplified Geneva score provides simplicity but has not yet been prospectively validated. Immobility is an important predictor for VTE in RAMs, but its definition is inconsistent and based on subjective assessment by nurses or physicians. In this study, we aim to prospectively validate the simplified Geneva score and to examine the predictive performance of a novel and objective definition of in-hospital immobilization using accelerometry.

Methods and analysis

RISE is a multicenter prospective cohort study. The goal is to recruit 1350 adult inpatients admitted for medical illness in three Swiss tertiary care hospitals. We collect data on demographics, comorbidities, VTE risk and thromboprophylaxis. Mobility from admission to discharge is objectively measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Participants are followed for 90 days for the occurrence of symptomatic VTE (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes are the occurrence of clinically relevant bleeding, and mortality. The evolution of autonomy in the activities of daily living, the length of stay, and the occurrence of readmission are also recorded. Time-dependent area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values are calculated for each RAM (i.e. the simplified and original Geneva score, Padua, and IMPROVE score) with and without the objective mobility measures to assess their accuracy in predicting hospital-acquired VTE at 90 days.

Ethics and expected impact

The ethics committee approved the protocol and the study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04439383. RISE has the potential to optimize VTE risk stratification, and thus to improve the quality of care of medically hospitalized patients.

Evaluation of the Padua Prediction Score ability to predict venous thromboembolism in Israeli non-surgical hospitalized patients using electronic medical records

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is considered a leading safety concern during hospitalization. The Padua Predication Score (PPS) is a risk model conceived to predict VTE among non-surgical hospitalized patients. The study aim was to evaluate the PPS ability to predict VTE in Israeli non-surgical hospitalized patients using data from electronic medical records. A single center, large-scale, historic cohort study of hospitalized non-surgical patients was conducted. Outcomes included clinically diagnosed symptomatic VTE events, bleeding events, and mortality during hospitalization and up to 90 days thereafter, and readmission up to 90 days after discharge. 5117 patient records were analyzed after screening and validation. 1120 (22%) patients were defined per PPS as high-risk, of which 277 (24.7%) were prophylactically treated. The low-risk group included 3997 (78%) patients. Prevalence of symptomatic VTE was low. Overall, 14 (0.27%) VTE events were diagnosed: 3 cases in the high-risk group (0.27%) and 11 (0.28%) in the low-risk group, with no significant difference, p = 0.768. Prophylactic treatment among the high-risk patients did not significantly improve VTE incidence: 1/277 (0.36%) treated vs. 2/843 (0.24%), p = 0.343. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding the rates of bleeding, unexplained mortality or readmission. PPS was not found to be an efficient tool for identification of non-surgical hospitalized patients with high risk for clinically significant VTE.

Trends and risk factors for omission of early thromboprophylaxis in Australian and New Zealand ICUs between 2009 and 2020

Purpose

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is effective in reducing VTE events; however, it is underutilized in critically ill patients. We examined trends and risk factors for omission of early thromboprophylaxis within the first 24 h after admission in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units (ICUs) between 2009 and 2020.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from the Australian New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database. Data were obtained for 1,465,020 adult admissions between 2009 and 2020. Mixed effects logistic regression modeling (accounting for the random effects of the contributing ICUs) was used to identify factors associated with omission of early thromboprophylaxis.

Results

A total of 107,486 (7.3%) ICU patients did not receive any form of thromboprophylaxis within the first 24 h after ICU admission without obvious reasons. Omission of early thromboprophylaxis declined from 13.7% in 2009 to 4% in 2020 (by 70.8%) (P < 0.001). Younger patients were more like to miss out on VTE prophylaxis (odds ratios (OR)_{per 10-year increase} 0.94, 95% CI 0.95–0.99). A documented process for monitoring VTE prophylaxis (ORs 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.93) and having a medical lead, dedicated for coordinating ICU quality (OR_{per 0.1 increase in full-time equivalent} 0.97, 95% CI 0.93–0.99), are associated with less omission of VTE prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Omission of thromboprophylaxis within the first 24 h after ICU admission has declined steadily over the past decade. Documented process for monitoring VTE prophylaxis and having a medical lead for coordinating quality of ICU care could be potential targets for sustaining the improvement in VTE prophylaxis use.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-022-06672-7.

Evaluation of In-Hospital Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Management System Using Hospital-Level Metrics: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in China

BACKGROUND

Countries in the world have taken actions to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitals. We have conducted a study in China to assess the establishment of hospital-based systems for VTE prevention and management.

METHODS

A nationwide hospital survey was conducted in China to collect hospital-level metrics on their system for VTE prevention between 2019 and 2020. We analyzed hospital-level metrics potentially influencing the implementation of thromboprophylaxis using a multivariable regression model. Characteristics of the hospital, organizational structure, quality control, and staff training were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 435 hospitals responding to the survey, 328 (75.4%) were able to implement thromboprophylaxis. They performed VTE and bleeding risk assessments and had prophylactic interventions. Institutional VTE steering committee and unit-based working group were set up in 317 (72.9%) and 339 (77.9%) hospitals, respectively. More than 80% of the hospitals performed quality control and staff training. In contrast, digitalization of risk assessment was only accomplished in 196 (45.1%) hospitals. Proportions of the aforementioned metrics were consistently higher in tertiary hospitals than secondary hospitals (P < 0.01) except for quality control. There were geographical disparities in the establishment of VTE steering committees (P = 0.0004). In multivariable analysis, VTE steering committee was an independent factor for the implementation of thromboprophylaxis (odds ratio, 2.22, 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.23). Working group, quality control, and training on VTE were also positively associated with the implementation of thromboprophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital VTE prevention has been undertaken in China, but system establishment remains suboptimal. Implementation of VTE prevention programs was associated with a decrease in thrombolytic events. Hospitals with VTE steering committees performed better on implementing preventive strategies. Suboptimal adoption of information digitization was identified, and the implementation of computer supporting techniques would be expected to improve the implementation of thromoboprophylaxis.

Electronic Health Record Risk-Stratification Tool Reduces Venous Thromboembolism Events in Surgical Patients

Background

Venous thromboembolism is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery. To ensure that patients receive appropriate venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis, a nonmandatory risk-stratification tool based on patient clinical condition was implemented through the electronic health record to stratify patient risk and recommend chemoprophylaxis. We hypothesized that implementing this tool would reduce postoperative venous thromboembolism events in general surgery as well as across all surgical services.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing inpatient surgical operations (January 2012–December 2019) at a single quaternary care center and Level 1 trauma center were abstracted from institutional electronic health record database and stratified into patients admitted before and after venous thromboembolism risk-stratification tool implementation. Bivariable analyses compared venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis prescription and venous thromboembolism events with implementation and screening among all surgical patients as well as in general surgery patient subset.

Results

A total of 64,377 adults underwent operations: 27,819 preimplementation and 36,558 postimplementation. A significant reduction in venous thromboembolism events occurred from pre- to post-tool implementation for all cases (0.77% vs 0.47%, P < .001). General surgery patients (n = 15,723) had a significant increase in chemoprophylaxis prescription (81.9% vs 86.0%, P < .001) and a significant reduction in venous thromboembolism events (1.41% vs 0.59%, P < .001). After tool implementation, use of extended postdischarge chemoprophylaxis was greater among general surgery patient subset than the entire patient cohort (46.7% vs 29.6%, P < .001).

Conclusion

The integration of a nonmandatory electronic health record risk-stratification tool was associated with a significant reduction in venous thromboembolism events. Extended chemoprophylaxis was prescribed in nearly half of general surgery patients at very high risk for postdischarge events.

•

Implementing an electronic VTE risk-stratification tool reduced surgical VTE events.

•

Even as a nonmandatory tool, risk stratification led to overall fewer VTE events.

•

Postoperative VTE events were reduced by 39% after the tool was integrated in EHR.

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With the tool, general surgery had 58% less VTE events and improved prophylaxis use.

Modes of Failure in Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with potentially preventable in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Although evidence-based guidelines are widely available, their application in clinical practice varies markedly. VTE prophylaxis involves a multistep dynamic process that can fail at various points during hospital stay. Our aim was to identify defects in VTE prophylaxis. Upon admission, our patients undergo VTE risk stratification and orders for prophylaxis are entered. All patients that fulfill the criteria for the Patient Safety Indicator (PSI)-12, as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, are prospectively entered in a database. From a review of 138 PSI-12 patients, only 21 had correct risk stratification and appropriate chemoprophylaxis during their hospital stay; 70 had been incorrectly stratified, with 28 of these patients receiving incorrect prophylaxis due to incorrect stratification, thus delaying the correct administration of chemoprophylaxis for >24 h. Inadequate application of mechanical prophylaxis was noted in 114 patients. VTE prophylaxis relies on correct risk stratification, ordering appropriate pharmacomechanical measures and, finally, the delivery of this treatment throughout the hospital stay. A large percentage of patients who had a thromboembolic complication received inadequate prophylaxis. This study identifies potential areas for intervention to improve VTE prophylaxis.

Incidence of thromboembolism and thromboprophylaxis in medical patients admitted to specialized hospital in Ethiopia using Padua prediction score

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients and thromboprophylaxis is one of the key strategies to reduce such events. We aimed to assess venous thromboembolism risk using Padua prediction score, thromboprophylaxis practice, and outcomes in hospitalized medical patients at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 patients admitted to Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital from 1 December 2018 to 31 May 2019. Data were collected from patients’ medical records using a pre-tested data abstraction format to collect patients’ clinical information and venous thromboembolism risk using the Padua prediction score. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess association between the variables of interest.

Results:

Reduced mobility, recent trauma and/or surgery, heart and/or respiratory failure, and active cancer were the frequently identified venous thromboembolism risk factors. Based on Padua prediction score, 48.4% of patients were at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism. The venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was given only for 55 (25.1%) patients and 15 of them were at low risk of developing venous thromboembolism (<4 Padua score) and were ineligible for thromboprophylaxis. Fifteen (6.84%) patients developed venous thromboembolism events during their stay at the hospital and 80% of them were from high risk group. The odds of females to develop venous thromboembolism were more than 14 times higher (adjusted odds ratio = 14.51; 95% confidence interval: 2.52–83.39, p = 0.003) than males. Reduced mobility (adjusted odds ratio = 10.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.70–58.70), <1 month trauma and/or surgery (adjusted odds ratio = 18.93; 95% confidence interval: 2.30–155.56), active cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 6.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–34.27), chronic kidney diseases (adjusted odds ratio = 61.790; 95% confidence interval: 2.627–1453.602), and hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 7.270; 95% confidence interval: 1.105–47.835) were significantly associated with the risk of developing venous thromboembolism.

Conclusion:

Nearly half of the patients were at risk of developing venous thromboembolism. Underutilization of thromboprophylaxis and inappropriate use of prophylaxis were commonly seen in Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital.

Physicians' perceptions and preferences for implementing venous thromboembolism (VTE) clinical practice guidelines: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. Clinical practice guidelines were developed to prevent venous thromboembolism events. This study adopted the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore the beliefs and perceptions of physicians adoption of clinical practice guidelines for the uptake of venous thromboembolism prevention guidelines.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a stratified purposive sample of internal medicine physicians in an acute hospital. The interview topic guide was developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify the factors perceived to influence the practice. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis. Emerging relevant themes were mapped to TDF domains.

RESULTS

A total of sixteen medical physicians were interviewed over a six-month period. Nine theoretical domains derived from thirty-three belief statements were identified as relevant to the target behaviour; knowledge (education about the importance of VTE guidelines); beliefs about capabilities (with practice VTE tool easier to implement); beliefs about consequences (positive consequences in reducing the development of VTE, length of stay, financial burden and support physician decision) and (negative consequence risk of bleeding); reinforcement (recognition and continuous reminders); goals (patient safety goal); environmental context and resources (workload and availability of medications were barriers, VTE coordinator and electronic medical record were enablers); social influences (senior physicians and patient/family influence the VTE practice); behavioural regulation (monitoring and mandatory hospital policy); and nature of the behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the Theoretical Domains Framework, factors thought to influence the implementation of VTE clinical practice guidelines were identified which can be used to design theoretically based interventions by targeting specific psychological constructs and linking them to behaviour change techniques to change the clinical practice of physicians.

A Real-World Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Thromboprophylactic Use of Enoxaparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Abdominal Surgery Patients in a Large U.S. Hospital Database

Introduction: Little is known about outcomes associated with enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in abdominal surgery patients in U.S. clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare VTE, all-cause mortality, PE-related in-hospital mortality, and hospital costs during abdominal surgery hospitalization and the 90 days post-discharge between patients who received enoxaparin versus UFH prophylaxis. Materials and Methods: Using the Premier Healthcare Database, abdominal surgery patients who received at least 1 day of VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin or UFH were identified between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models and cost outcomes were assessed using generalized linear models. Results: Of 363,669 patients identified, 59% received enoxaparin and 41% UFH. In adjusted analyses, there were statistically significant lower odds of VTE (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-0.97), all-cause mortality (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60-0.75), and major bleeding (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82-0.94) during the hospitalization for enoxaparin versus UFH, but no differences during the 90-days post-discharge or for PE-related mortality. There was a statistically significant lower total hospital cost with enoxaparin versus UFH during index hospitalization ($8,913 vs $9,017, P < .0001), but not post-discharge ($3,342 vs $3,368, P = .42). Unadjusted rates of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (index:0.1% vs 0.3%; post-discharge: 0.02% vs 0.06%) were reported for enoxaparin and UFH, respectively. Conclusion: In contemporary U.S. hospital practice, statistically significant lower odds of VTE, all-cause mortality and major bleeding with enoxaparin versus UFH prophylaxis were found during abdominal surgery hospitalizations.

An update on the global use of risk assessment models and thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients with medical illnesses from the World Thrombosis Day steering committee: Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The majority of VTE events are hospital-associated. In 2008, the Epidemiologic International Day for the Evaluation of Patients at Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in the Acute Hospital Care Setting (ENDORSE) multinational cross-sectional study reported that only approximately 40% of medical patients at risk of VTE received adequate thromboprophylaxis.

METHODS

In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at providing updated figures concerning the use of thromboprophylaxis globally. We focused on: (a) the frequency of patients with an indication to thromboprophylaxis according with individual models; (b) the use of adequate thromboprophylaxis; and (c) reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis. Observational nonrandomized studies or surveys focusing on medically ill patients were considered eligible.

RESULTS

After screening, we included 27 studies from 20 countries for a total of 137 288 patients. Overall, 50.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.9-59.1, I2 99%) of patients had an indication to thromboprophylaxis: of these, 54.5% (95% CI: 46.2-62.6, I2 99%) received adequate thromboprophylaxis. The use of adequate thromboprophylaxis was 66.8% in Europe (95% CI: 50.7-81.1, I2 98%), 44.9% in Africa (95% CI: 31.8-58.4, I2 96%), 37.6% in Asia (95% CI: 25.7-50.3, I2 97%), 58.3% in South America (95% CI: 31.1-83.1, I2 99%), and 68.6% in North America (95% CI: 64.9-72.6, I2 96%). No major differences in adequate thromboprophylaxis use were found across risk assessment models. Bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and renal/hepatic failure were the most frequently reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of anticoagulants for VTE prevention has been proven effective and safe, but thromboprophylaxis prescriptions are still unsatisfactory among hospitalized medically ill patients around the globe with marked geographical differences.

Venous thromboembolism risk factors and usefulness of a risk scoring system in lower limb orthopedic surgery: A case-control study in Japan

We previously developed a computerized clinical decision support system based on national consensus guidelines and previous studies. This system was used to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism. In this study, we examined the risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients who underwent lower limb orthopedic surgery using our risk scoring system, to investigate the association between the total risk score and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism.We retrospectively evaluated the records of 649 patients who underwent lower limb orthopedic surgery at a tertiary care center in Japan between January 2015 and August 2018. Venous thromboembolism was confirmed using ultrasonography or computed tomography angiography. The computerized clinical decision support system was used throughout the hospitalization period. Independent risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism were identified using logistic regression analysis.Age (≥68 years) was significantly associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.09; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the Cochran-Armitage trend test revealed a significant positive correlation between the total risk score and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (P < 0.001).Our risk scoring system may be used preoperatively to determine the need for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. This study suggests that age (≥68 years) may be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism after lower limb orthopedic surgery. Additional studies are needed to validate these results.

Protocolo para a profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso em cirurgia de varizes dos membros inferiores

RESUMO O tromboembolismo pulmonar é a complicação mais temida do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) e a terceira causa de mortalidade cardiovascular no mundo, atrás apenas do infarto agudo do miocárdio e do acidente vascular cerebral. O risco de TEV é praticamente universal nos pacientes hospitalizados, especialmente naqueles com redução da mobilidade. Embora variável em incidência entre os pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos, até 66,6% dos eventos relacionados às internações, podem ocorrer após a alta, permanecendo este risco por até 90 dias. Apesar de todo investimento feito na profilaxia do TEV nas últimas décadas, ainda não existem consensos ou diretrizes específicos para a sua prevenção em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia convencional de varizes dos membros inferiores. A adoção de um modelo de avaliação de risco validado para a profilaxia do TEV, embasado na literatura vigente, poderá ajudar na implementação e padronização da profilaxia do TEV na cirurgia convencional de varizes de membros inferiores, além deste benefício, poderá levar a diminuição do tempo de internação hospitalar e do número de reinternações.

Guideline No. 417: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide gynaecologists with an algorithm and evidence to guide the use of thromboprophylaxis in gynaecological surgery.

TARGET POPULATION

All patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant indications.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

The implementation of this guideline will benefit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for the use of perioperative thromboprophylaxis.

EVIDENCE

The following search terms were entered into MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane in 2017 and 2018: VTE, PE, DVT, thromboprophylaxis, gynaecological surgery, heparin, graduated compression stocking, intermittent pneumatic stocking, obesity, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, regional anesthesia). Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of these articles. There were no date limits, but search results were limited to English language articles only. Searches were updated and incorporated into the guideline up to September 2018.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED USERS

Gynaecologists and other members of the surgical team. RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Internal Validation of a Risk Scoring System for Venous Thromboembolism After Total hip or Knee Arthroplasty

We developed a computerized clinical decision support system (CCDSS) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment. We aimed to demonstrate its relevance and evaluate associations between risk level and VTE incidence in patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty. In this case-control study, VTE was confirmed using ultrasonography/computed tomography angiography in 1098 adults at a tertiary care hospital over five years (2013-2018). Postoperative VTE incidence was classified into three risk levels (moderate, high, and highest). The overall VTE incidence was 11.7%, which increased with a risk level of 0%, 5.8%, and 12.8% in moderate-risk, high-risk, and highest-risk patients, respectively. Highest-risk patients were significantly more likely to develop VTE than high-risk patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-5.5; p = 0.01). VTE development was more likely in patients with risk scores ≥4 relative to those with risk scores of 2-3 (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2-2.7; p = 0.003) and -1 to 1 (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.6-7.7; p < 0.001). This study indicates that risk level and VTE incidence are associated; our scoring system appears useful for patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty.

Del papel a la práctica: adherencia a las guías de práctica clínica de tromboprofilaxis en pacientes quirúrgicos en Colombia

El desarrollo del tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) en pacientes quirúrgicos representa un serio problema de salud pública, pues aumenta las tasas de morbimortalidad y los costos asociados con la atención intrahospitalaria de esta población. No obstante lo anterior, y a pesar de que su efectividad ha sido demostrada, en Colombia las medidas profilácticas no son utilizadas de forma adecuada en estos pacientes. Una posible causa de esta situación es la pobre adherencia de los profesionales de la salud a las guías de práctica clínica (GPC) para la prevención del TEV. En este sentido, se han descrito varias aproximaciones metodológicas para lograr una adecuada implementación de la tromboprofilaxis al transformar los comportamientos de los médicos. Sin embargo, para lograr este propósito es necesario considerar de forma integral las barreras multifactoriales y las condiciones sociológicas que subyacen a este problema. Se sabe que una mejor adherencia a las GPC de profilaxis de TEV conduce a una mejor práctica clínica. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es realizar un análisis reflexivo de las causas y posibles soluciones de la baja adherencia de los profesionales de la salud en Colombia a dichas guías.

The Importance of the Therapeutic Care Plan in Colorectal Surgery

Introduction A therapeutic plan is elaborated based on the health needs of each user, allowing a multidisciplinary team to assess diagnoses, treatment options, bonds, and optimal hospitalization time.

Objectives To identify risk management tools already used and implemented in a reference teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo and to analyze their application and risk factors in medium and large colorectal surgery.

Method Observational, longitudinal, and prospective study, with 30 patients with colorectal disease hospitalized in the surgical ward of the coloproctology service and in need of surgical treatment. In the first group, the protocol was applied with the knowledge of the researcher only, and, in the second group, with the knowledge of both the researcher and the attending physicians.

Results Sixty percent of the patients were female with a mean age of 60.93 years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.07 Kg/m2.

After surgery, patients in the first group who did not receive venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the first 24 hours had an increased risk of having the event compared with those who returned to prophylaxis (p < 0.005), thus suggesting this prophylaxis was a protective factor against thromboembolic event (p = 0.006). This group also had a higher risk of hypoglycemia when no strict control was performed (p = 0.041).

Conclusion The compliance to hospital protocols with application monitoring, notedly in teaching places with annual admission of resident physicians, is a fundamental part of the adequate care of the patient combined with the implementation of therapeutic plans.

Validation of risk assessment models predicting venous thromboembolism in inpatients with AECOPD: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

As inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), identifying high-risk patients requiring thromboprophylaxis is critical to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with VTE. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the validities of the Padua Prediction Score and Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) in predicting the risk of VTE in inpatients with AECOPD.

METHODS

The inpatients with AECOPD were prospectively enrolled from seven medical centers of China between September 2017 and January 2020. Caprini and Padua scores were calculated on admission, and the incidence of 3-month VTE was investigated.

RESULTS

Among the 3277 eligible patients with AECOPD, 128 patients (3.9%) developed VTE within 3 months after admission. The distribution of the study population by the Caprini risk level was as follows: high, 53.6%; moderate, 43.0%; and low, 3.5%. The incidence of VTE increased by risk level as high, 6.1%; moderate, 1.5%; and low, 0%. According to the Padua RAM, only 10.9% of the study population was classified as high risk and 89.1% as low risk, with the corresponding incidence of VTE 7.9% and 3.4%, respectively. The Caprini RAM had higher area under curve (AUC) compared with the Padua RAM (0.713  0.021 vs 0.644 ± 0.023, P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

The Caprini RAM was superior to the Padua RAM in predicting the risk of VTE in inpatients with AECOPD and might better guide thromboprophylaxis in these patients.

Outpatient and inpatient anticoagulation therapy and the risk for hospital admission and death among COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a hypercoagulable state. Limited data exist informing the relationship between anticoagulation therapy and risk for COVID-19 related hospitalization and mortality.

METHODS

We evaluated all patients over the age of 18 diagnosed with COVID-19 in a prospective cohort study from March 4th to August 27th, 2020 among 12 hospitals and 60 clinics of M Health Fairview system (USA). We investigated the relationship between (1) 90-day anticoagulation therapy among outpatients before COVID-19 diagnosis and the risk for hospitalization and mortality and (2) Inpatient anticoagulation therapy and mortality risk.

FINDINGS

Of 6195 patients, 598 were immediately hospitalized and 5597 were treated as outpatients. The overall case-fatality rate was 2•8% (n = 175 deaths). Among the patients who were hospitalized, the inpatient mortality was 13%. Among the 5597 COVID-19 patients initially treated as outpatients, 160 (2.9%) were on anticoagulation and 331 were eventually hospitalized (5.9%). In a multivariable analysis, outpatient anticoagulation use was associated with a 43% reduction in risk for hospital admission, HR (95% CI = 0.57, 0.38-0.86), p = 0.007, but was not associated with mortality, HR (95% CI=0.88, 0.50 - 1.52), p = 0.64. Inpatients who were not on anticoagulation (before or after hospitalization) had an increased risk for mortality, HR (95% CI = 2.26, 1.17-4.37), p = 0.015.

INTERPRETATION

Outpatients with COVID-19 who were on outpatient anticoagulation at the time of diagnosis experienced a 43% reduced risk of hospitalization. Failure to initiate anticoagulation upon hospitalization or maintaining outpatient anticoagulation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was associated with increased mortality risk.

FUNDING

No funding was obtained for this study.

Analysis of Adherence to Thromboprophylaxis and Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism After Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery

Background The economic burden caused by venous thromboembolism (VTE) to the National Health Service (NHS) is approximately £640 million. There is a significant national drive for VTE prophylaxis prescription given the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with VTE following lower limb orthopaedic surgery. The primary objective of this analysis was to examine the adherence to the updated VTE guidelines, NG89, by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding prophylaxis for patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery, where the weight-bearing status will be reduced postoperatively, in an urban community hospital. Methodology We looked at 586 patients who underwent elective lower limb orthopaedic surgeries over a two year time period. We reviewed their VTE prophylaxis administration. Results were shared with the Hospital Thrombosis Committee department. Education was provided to the relevant staff and hospital policy for VTE prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was to compare the proportion of patients receiving prophylaxis as per the hospital guidelines as well as complications arising from VTE. Results A total of 586 patients were included in this audit. Compliance with VTE pharmacological prophylaxis was recorded, as well as weight-bearing status advised postoperatively. Compliance with prophylaxis in patients who were non-weight-bearing postoperatively was 54.8%. There were three cases of recorded VTE; however, in all cases, appropriate VTE prophylaxis has been prescribed. Conclusion Increasing hospital-wide awareness and education of VTE and the fatal complications is imperative. All patients should be administered VTE prophylaxis as an inpatient and on discharge if their weight-bearing status is affected following lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Although our compliance rate for prescription of VTE prophylaxis did not achieve the standards set by NICE, all cases of recorded VTE had been correctly prescribed VTE prophylaxis on discharge.

Audit and Feedback to Surgery Interns and Residents on Prescribing Risk-Appropriate Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of feedback using an emailed scorecard and a web-based dashboard on risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis prescribing practices among general surgery interns and residents.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The Johns Hopkins Hospital, an urban academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

All 45 trainees (19 post-graduate year [PGY] 1 interns and 26 PGY-2 to PGY-5 residents) in our general surgery program.

INTERVENTION

Feedback implementation encompassed three sequential periods: (1) scorecard (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015); (2) no feedback/wash-in (July 1 through October 31, 2015); and (3) web-based dashboard (November 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016). No feedback served as the baseline period for the intern cohort. The scorecard was a static document showing an individual's compliance with risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis prescription compared to compliance of their de-identified peers. The web-based dashboard included other information (e.g., patient details for suboptimal prophylaxis orders) besides individual compliance compared to their de-identified peers. Trainees could access the dashboard anytime to view current and historic performance. We sent monthly emails to all trainees for both feedback mechanisms. Main outcome was proportion of patients prescribed risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis, and mean percentages reported.

RESULTS

During this study, 4088 VTE prophylaxis orders were placed. Among residents, mean prescription of risk-appropriate prophylaxis was higher in the wash-in (98.4% vs 95.6%, p < 0.001) and dashboard (98.4 vs 95.6%, p < 0.001) periods compared to the scorecard period. There was no difference in mean compliance between the wash-in and dashboard periods (98.4% vs 98.4%, p = 0.99). Among interns, mean prescription of risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis improved between the wash-in and dashboard periods (91.5% vs 96.4%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Using audit and individualized performance feedback to general surgery trainees through a web-based dashboard improved prescribing of appropriate VTE prophylaxis to a near-perfect performance.

Comparison of strategies for adherence to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in high-risk surgical patients: a before and after intervention study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of perioperative morbimortality. Despite significant efforts to advance evidence-based practice, prevention rates remain inadequate in many centres.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies aimed at improving adherence to adequate VTE prophylaxis in surgical patients at high risk of VTE.

METHOD

Before and after intervention study conducted at a tertiary hospital. Adherence to adequate VTE prophylaxis was compared according to three strategies consecutively implemented from January 2019 to December 2020. A dedicated hospitalist physician alone (strategy A) or in conjunction with a nurse (strategy B) overlooked the postoperative period to ensure adherence and correct inadequacies. Finally, a multidisciplinary team approach (strategy C) focused on promoting adequate VTE prophylaxis across multiple stages of care-from the operating room (ie, preoperative team-based checklist) to collaboration with clinical pharmacists in the postoperative period-was implemented.

RESULTS

We analysed 2074 surgical patients: 783 from January to June 2019 (strategy A), 669 from July 2019 to May 2020 (strategy B), and 622 from June to December 2020 (strategy C). VTE prophylaxis adherence rates for strategies (A), (B) and (C) were (median (25th-75th percentile)) 43.29% (31.82-51.69), 50% (42.57-55.80) and 92.31% (91.38-93.51), respectively (p<0.001; C>A=B). There was a significant reduction in non-compliance on all analysed criteria (risk stratification (A (25.5%), B (22%), C (6%)), medical documentation (A (68%), B (55.2%) C (9%)) and medical prescription (A (51.85%), B (48%), C (6.10%)) after implementation of strategy C (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in compliance with adequate dosage, dosing interval and scheduling of the prophylactic regimen was observed.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative VTE prophylaxis strategies that relied exclusively on physicians and/or nurses were associated with suboptimal execution and prevention. A multidisciplinary team-based approach that covers multiple stages of patient care significantly increased adherence to adequate VTE prophylaxis in surgical patients at high risk of developing perioperative VTE.

Systematic reviews of observational studies of Risk of Thrombosis and Bleeding in General and Gynecologic Surgery (ROTBIGGS): introduction and methodology

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding are serious and potentially fatal complications of surgical procedures. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis decreases the risk of VTE but increases the risk of major post-operative bleeding. The decision to use pharmacologic prophylaxis therefore represents a trade-off that critically depends on the incidence of VTE and bleeding in the absence of prophylaxis. These baseline risks vary widely between procedures, but their magnitude is uncertain. Systematic reviews addressing baseline risks are scarce, needed, and require innovations in methodology. Indeed, systematic summaries of these baseline risk estimates exist neither in general nor gynecologic surgery. We will fill this knowledge gap by performing a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the procedure-specific and patient risk factor stratified risk estimates in general and gynecologic surgeries.

METHODS

We will perform comprehensive literature searches for observational studies in general and gynecologic surgery reporting symptomatic VTE or bleeding estimates. Pairs of methodologically trained reviewers will independently assess the studies for eligibility, evaluate the risk of bias by using an instrument developed for this review, and extract data. We will perform meta-analyses and modeling studies to adjust the reported risk estimates for the use of thromboprophylaxis and length of follow up. We will derive the estimates of risk from the median estimates of studies rated at the lowest risk of bias. The primary outcomes are the risk estimates of symptomatic VTE and major bleeding at 4 weeks post-operatively for each procedure stratified by patient risk factors. We will apply the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate evidence certainty.

DISCUSSION

This series of systematic reviews, modeling studies, and meta-analyses will inform clinicians and patients regarding the trade-off between VTE prevention and bleeding in general and gynecologic surgeries. Our work advances the standards in systematic reviews of surgical complications, including assessment of risk of bias, criteria for arriving at the best estimates of risk (including modeling of the timing of events and dealing with suboptimal data reporting), dealing with subgroups at higher and lower risk of bias, and use of the GRADE approach.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021234119.

Evaluating the "holiday season effect" of hospital care on the risk of mortality from pulmonary embolism: a nationwide analysis in Taiwan

We aimed to determine whether hospital admissions during an extended holiday period (Chinese New Year) and weekends were associated with increased mortality risk from pulmonary embolism (PE), compared to admissions on weekdays. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Data of newly diagnosed PEs during the months of January and February from 2001 to 2017 were obtained from patient records and classified into three admission groups: Chinese New Year (≥ 4 consecutive holiday days), weekends, and weekdays. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for 7-day and in-hospital mortality were calculated using multivariable logistic regression models. The 7-day and in-hospital mortality risks were higher for patients admitted during the Chinese New Year holiday (10.6% and 18.7%) compared to those admitted on weekends (8.4% and 16.1%) and weekdays (6.6% and 13.8%). These higher mortality risks for holiday admissions compared to weekday admissions were confirmed by multivariable analysis (7-day mortality: aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.15-2.44, P = 0.007; in-hospital mortality: aOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.05-1.90, P = 0.022), with no subgroup effects by sex or age. Hospital admission for PE over an extended holiday period, namely Chinese New Year, was associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Alternative physical treatments for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in surgical patients: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. A variety of novel physical therapies have been proposed for patients in whom standard prophylaxis, including early mobilisation, is contraindicated. This article presents a systematic literature review of alternative physical treatments for VTE prophylaxis, focusing on surgical and trauma patients.

METHODS

Following protocol registration in PROSPERO, a systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for all studies indexed before 27th of July 2019. Two authors independently screened these articles. Data gathering for eligible articles was also undertaken in parallel by two authors. A formal risk of bias assessment was conducted for each study along with an assessment on the quality of the evidence using the GRADE framework.

RESULTS

A total of 272 abstracts were identified. After exclusion of duplicates and non-eligible articles, 10 publications were reviewed in detail. Two studies involving electrostimulation, another using a portable intermittent compression device and one study using postoperative calf massage reported a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of deep venous thrombosis when used in conjunction with LMWH. The remaining six articles did not show any significant benefits.

DISCUSSION

All studies reporting significant benefits have methodological flaws, with a high risk of bias. The evidence base informing alternative physical treatments as prophylactic measures in VTE is limited. Our data suggest that the use of these physical modalities can be beneficial in patients who also received LMWH, whilst these alone are of no benefit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II - Systematic Review Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42019133684.

Development and implementation of venous thromboembolism stewardship across a hospital network

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of preventable death in hospital. Ensuring all hospitalized patients are assessed for VTE risk and given appropriate prophylaxis can reduce the burden of VTE on patients and the healthcare system. This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of a VTE stewardship program using electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) to provide oversight of hospital initiatives to prevent VTE.

AIM

To determine if a VTE stewardship program can increase risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis, VTE risk assessment using eCDS, any documented risk assessment and risk assessment within 24 h of admission, plus reduce the incidence of hospital acquired VTE (HA-VTE).

METHODS

Education, daily medication chart auditing, weekly clinician performance feedback, health promotion and gamification were deployed over 6 months by two multidisciplinary VTE stewardship teams across four hospitals. Service impact was assessed through cross-sectional audits of electronic medical records every 3 months and review of HA-VTE events pre- and post-intervention. Implementation costs were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1622 patients were audited in separate cohorts at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. There was significant improvement in the prescription of appropriate prophylaxis (78%, 83%, 84%, and 88%, p = 0.004), VTE risk assessment using the eCDS tool (20%, 50%, 81% and 87%, p < 0.001), any documented risk assessment (71%, 82%, 95% and 93%, p < 0.001) and any documented risk assessment within 24 h of admission (54%, 56%, 65% and 63%, p = 0.001). Use of eCDS was associated with prescription of risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis (p < 0.001). Annual incidence of HA-VTE decreased from 7.88 to 6.99 events per 10,000 discharges pre- to post-intervention (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.89, 95 %CI 0.66-1.18, p = 0.43). The cost of implementing the program across 133,078 episodes of care during the study period was AUD$108,167 (mean cost of $0.82 per patient).