Background: All patients assessed as increased risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) during hospital admission should be given verbal and written information, as recommended by NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health Care Excellence, 2018). Whilst contributing to a national VTE prevention survey (Getting it Right First Time, October 2019), sub-optimal documentation regarding provision VTE prevention information was noted (34.4%). This prompted a quality improvement initiative to drive improvement.

Aims: The project aimed at improving provision of VTE information to patients admitted to the hospital.

Methods: A further hospital-wide audit was undertaken in March 2020. A patient questionnaire was also designed to explore their knowledge of VTE prevention.

The main actions were: implementation of a hospital-wide training program, creation of an alert in the electronic patient record to highlight when the VTE information leaflet had not been given, active involvement in patient safety forums, hospital-wide information dissemination (e.g. newsletter, virtual posters, VTE information stands, VTE virtual quiz), and regular surveillance of ward areas to ensure sufficient information leaflet supplies.

Results: Baseline audit revealed that 80% (n = 422/530) of patients had an electronic order for the VTE information leaflet but only 28% (n = 151/530) had documentation confirming the patient had been provided with VTE information. Patient questionnaires showed only 51% (n = 104/205) were aware of the measures to help reduce their risk of developing VTE. Repeat audit in January 2022 showed an increase in prescription of VTE patient information at 93% (n = 2771/2985) as shown in figure 1, and in delivery of patient information at 50% (n = 1500/2985) as shown in figure 2.

Conclusion(s): Regular teaching, automated electronic medical record alerts and an education program had a positive impact on the provision of VTE patient information. More work is needed to ensure all hospitalised patients receive VTE information.

Figure 1

Percentage of prescription of VTE patient information -per speciality-

Figure 2

Percentage of documented provision of VTE information -per speciality-

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ISTH Congress Abstracts - https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/improving-the-provision-of-patient-information-regarding-venous-thromboembolism-prevention-at-kings-college-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust-london/