Lower Limb Immobilisation & VTE Prophylaxis

Purpose: According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE ), annual incidence of venous thrombosis is approximately 2 in 1000 of the general population and that for diagnosed pulmonary embolism in UK has been reported as 7-8 per 10,000 people. Although the risk varies from one individual to another, NICE guideline stated clearly that there is need to consider pharmacological VTE prophylaxis with Low Molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux sodium for people with lower limb immobilization whose risk of VTE outweighs their risk of bleeding. We carried out this audit to gain understanding on pattern of adherence especially in the Accident and Emergency Unit of an NHS Hospital as well as finding out reasons for non-adherence so as to improve compliance.

Author(s): Ayobami Asaju

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