For surgical patients, blood clots of the lungs or lower extremities are much less likely if they receive individualized treatment based on clotting risk and if they begin walking soon after their surgeries, according to an article published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Researchers came to the conclusion after implementing an intervention to reduce VTE at Boston Medical Center. Intervention steps included creation of a standardized rating system for VTE risk, performance of individual VTE prophylaxis based on this risk score, emphasis of early postsurgical mobilization — walking three times each day after the operation beginning with the day of surgery — and education of patients on the dangers and prevention of blood clots.
Comparing post-intervention lower extremity or lung VTE rates to data on surgical VTE rates before the intervention, researchers noted an 84 percent decrease in the condition two years after the preventative steps were instituted.
Researchers indicated individualized risk-assessment and early mobilization could potentially reduce the incidence of VTE, a major surgical complication, in other facilities and surgical settings, according to a news release.
More Articles on Accreditation:
Improper Disinfection of Medical Equipment: What to Know
6 Statistics on ASC Accreditation Areas to Improve From AAAHC
Accreditation Tip: 'Go to the Gemba'
Researchers came to the conclusion after implementing an intervention to reduce VTE at Boston Medical Center. Intervention steps included creation of a standardized rating system for VTE risk, performance of individual VTE prophylaxis based on this risk score, emphasis of early postsurgical mobilization — walking three times each day after the operation beginning with the day of surgery — and education of patients on the dangers and prevention of blood clots.
Comparing post-intervention lower extremity or lung VTE rates to data on surgical VTE rates before the intervention, researchers noted an 84 percent decrease in the condition two years after the preventative steps were instituted.
Researchers indicated individualized risk-assessment and early mobilization could potentially reduce the incidence of VTE, a major surgical complication, in other facilities and surgical settings, according to a news release.
More Articles on Accreditation:
Improper Disinfection of Medical Equipment: What to Know
6 Statistics on ASC Accreditation Areas to Improve From AAAHC
Accreditation Tip: 'Go to the Gemba'