Poster Presentation
Friday, 21 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Friday, 21 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
This presentation is part of : Poster Presentations III
Utilization of a DVT Nursing Protocol to Decrease Incidence of Thromboembolism in an Acute Care Setting
Phyllis A. Roseberry, MS, RN, Orthopedics/Neurology, Immanuel St Josephs - Mayo Health Systems, Mankato, MN, USA and Mary D. Date, MS, RN, Renal Dialysis, Immanuel St Josephs - Mayo Health Systems, Mankato, MN, USA.
Learning Objective #1: describe elements of a nursing risk assessment form designed to identify patients at risk for DVT and PE.
Learning Objective #2: describe the power of using evidence based practice to improve patient outcomes.
In 2004 an Interdisciplinary team was developed to decrease the incidence of thromboembolism in our acute care setting.  Utilizing a Six Sigma Quality initiative called Rapid Action, a team examined evidenced based practice related to prevention of DVT and PE.  The risk of DVT and PE in hospitalized patients was well documented in the research.  Research also demonstrated that prophylaxis decreased the risk of blood clots and when ordered appropriately, is an effective method of avoiding complications that can result in hospital death and disability. 

The Autar DVT Risk Assessment Scale was utilized along with prophylaxis guidelines written by the American Academy of Chest Physicians in developing a Nursing Protocol The protocol is now implemented on all inpatient admissions.  Objectives of the team are: all patients would be assessed by nursing for DVT risk on admission; protocol implementation is consistent with evidenced based practice; and there will be no hospital acquired DVT’s.

Multiple methods of education were utilized with both nursing and medical staff to communicate the need for utilizing the protocol.  Physician order sets were revised to reflect protocol use.  Ongoing monitoring to assure process measures that include accuracy of assessments and correct utilization of the protocol are conducted.  Outcome monitoring of DVT and PE occurrence are also measured.

Engaging nursing staff in the process of risk assessment, using evidence based practice to determine appropriate prophylaxis via the use of a DVT protocol has been effective in decreasing our patients’ risk of developing life threatening thrombosis.   

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)