Blood Clot Prevention Relies on Standardizing Best Practices Through Technology

Hospitals large and small share approaches to HA-VTE prevention through use of clinical decision-making tools, data analytics

In 2004, Greg Maynard, MD, MSc, SFHM, chief quality officer at the University of California, Davis in Sacramento, began working on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). More than 12 years and one nationally recognized implementation guideline later, his hospital system is one of the leaders in preventing healthcare-associated venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE).

The University of California’s Center for Health Quality and Innovation is one of eight healthcare facilities recognized by the CDC for its work in preventing HA-VTE, more commonly known as blood clots. According to the CDC, VTE impacts as many as 900,000 patients each year, leading to 100,000 premature deaths and adding as much as $10 billion in healthcare costs.

“It’s something that really affects patients everywhere,” says Anneliese Schleyer, MD, MHA, associate medical director of hospital quality and patient safety at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, which was also recognized for its work in HA-VTE prevention. “It’s acute care, it’s critical care, it’s the outpatient setting?it has huge impact for them. [Patients] may do well in a hospitalization, but they go home and something happens.”

Fortunately, VTE is a largely preventable condition. Unfortunately, many hospitals struggle to consistently deploy best practices. Studies show that between 2007 and 2009, more than 500,000 patients were discharged with VTE. As much as 70% of HA-VTE could be prevented, but less than half of patients receive appropriate prevention measures.

Based on a review from a panel of six judges, the CDC recognized two “HA-VTE Champions” in four categories ranging from single rural hospitals to large, multihospital systems in major metropolitan areas. Each of the award winners had their own unique method of HA-VTE prevention, but similar themes ran throughout each approach, including the use of data analytics, EHR tools, and an emphasis on consistent risk assessments and prophylaxis.

This is an excerpt from the June issue of the Patient Safety Monitor. Subscribers can read the rest of the article here. Find out more about the journal, its benefits, and how to subscribe by clicking here.