Documenting the decision-making process for initiation of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis in patients admitted to an adult psychiatry ward background

Abstract

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that causes a blood clot to form within the venous blood system. If this blood clot forms in the peripheral venous system, it can cause symptoms such as calf pain and swelling. If this clot becomes dislodged, it may travel through the vessels into the pulmonary artery which can have much more severe consequences.

Objectives

There has been a great deal of effort in recent years to increase the percentage of in-patients receiving a VTE assessment; and for those patients to receive appropriate VTE prophylaxis. VTE is a significant cause of inpatient deaths. This audit aims to compare current working practice to local standards and identify learning points.

Method

VTE assessment data were collected from two acute psychiatric in-patient wards within a specified, random date range in 2016. Data was collected by checking paper admission documentation. NICE guidelines also state that all patients should be assessed for VTE on admission, with a standard of 100%.

Results

Overall, 6.25% of general adult psychiatry patients had a VTE assessment done within 24 hours of admission.

Conclusion

This audit shows that the necessary standards are not met. Importance of these assessments will be communicated during induction programmes for all staff and the results of this audit communicated to current staff on all in-patient psychiatry wards.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.