[Thromboembolic disease: the challenge is in the prophylaxis]

[Are domiciliary care patients receiving adequate thromboprophylaxis?]

INTRODUCTION

The study aims to determine the percentage of patients treated at home with an indication of prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease (TED) according to the PRETEMED guidelines and whether they receive such prophylaxis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Segovia Palace Health Centre (Madrid).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

to be included in the domiciliary care protocol.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

terminal patient, hospitalised or surgery in the last 3 months. The variables used include, age, sex, duration of domiciliary care, mobility, anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment and reason, and associated and precipitating factors to calculate the risk of TED according to the PRETEMED guidelines, and if they receive such prophylaxis, by reviewing computerised medical records and meeting with the staff responsible.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 187 patients, of whom 81% were women There was a significant differences in mean age by sex (men, 76.91 years, 95% CI; 72.59-81.24, and women, 86.72 years, 95% CI; 72.59-81.24, P<.05). Almost two-thirds (65%) walked in the home. There were 3.7% patients who had an indication for receiving prophylaxis, but did not receive it, although 85.8% of them were on anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy for other reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients in domiciliary care have a low baseline risk of developing a TED episode in our study. There should be more emphasis placed on the prophylaxis of TED in acute medical episodes in which patients with slightly elevated risk may increase the likelihood of TED. Observational studies should be conducted to study the baseline risk and the subsequent development of TED in the population receiving home care.