Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an acute and potentially fatal condition. The incidence of PE increases with age. Mortality rates can be as high as 25% if untreated however, with anticoagulant therapy, this rate decreases to about 2–8% in the 3 months following diagnosis. The benefit of early anticoagulation to improve mortality and decrease recurrent thromboembolism is well proven. A study by Konstantinides, et al (2014) found that patterns of patient follow up post PE differ greatly and firm evidence to provide guidance is lacking.
Aims: NICE Guidelines state that patients should be discharged with adequate monitoring of anticoagulant treatment and that the patient is provided with sufficient information and education. The purpose of this work was to determine if patients are provided with this information upon discharge and to determine how this service can be improved.
Methods: The British Thoracic Society Guidelines (2018) state that patients should have a formal review during the first week after discharge to ensure therapeutic compliance along with the absence of complications. Discussion was held between Haematology Consultant and Anticoagulation Staff to improve the quality of service provided to patients discharged on anticoagulation following a PE. It was decided that Anticoagulation Nurse Specialists would contact patients, within a week of discharge, to determine their understanding of their medication and offer support if needed. A protocol was created outlining important aspects of care. Patients would be contacted and questions were asked regarding their medication, discharge and information received.
Results: Results showed patients were often not provided with key information. 28% stated no advice was received and 47% received no written information on discharge.
Conclusions: Patients greatly appreciated the call and many further issues were noted such as missing or incorrect information regarding dosing and education. This service will be continued to improve patient safety.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Roberts M. The Importance of Follow up Post PE [abstract]. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2021; 5 (Suppl 2). https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/the-importance-of-follow-up-post-pe/. Accessed August 16, 2022.« Back to ISTH 2021 Congress
ISTH Congress Abstracts - https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/the-importance-of-follow-up-post-pe/