Risk Assessment and Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients of Medical Ward of Northwest General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar, Pakistan: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in veins. Hospitalization increases the risk of VTE so timely risk assessment and adequate prophylaxis for VTE should be done to prevent this potentially fatal complication. Local problemData from developing countries regarding VTE prophylaxis is scarce. VTE is a neglected area of research in Pakistan. So this closed-loop clinical audit was conducted to evaluate the VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis practices and to analyze the importance of educational intervention in improving the standard of care. Patients and methodsWe adopted the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for VTE prophylaxis as an audit standard. We collected data on a specially designed proforma by prospectively reviewing the hospital notes of patients in the Medical Ward of

Clinical audit: a necessity or a formality?

“…3 According to Shah MH et al standard venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and prophylactic prescription guidelines were not followed, but after intervention and re-audit, it was discovered that a simple and effective educational intervention improved VTE risk assessment and prophylactic prescribing practices. 4 Similarly, Rabbani RA et al emphasize the need for clinical audits in improving standard surgical procedures. 5 No doubt that clinical audits are a tool that, when used correctly, can result in a change in the quality of care provided by a service.…”