title: Use of a thromboembolic risk score to improve thromboprophylaxis in surgical patients.
abstract: Two hundred admissions to a general surgical ward were audited prospectively before and after the introduction of a thromboembolic risk score. This was based on the Thromboembolic Risk Factors (THRIFT) Consensus Group guidelines for thrombo-prophylaxis. The results showed an overall improvement in compliance from 65% to 79%. High risk patients formed 24% of the patients studied. In this group, compliance improved significantly from 14% to 58%. The overall prevalence of important thromboembolic risk factors was calculated. Of the patients, 26.5% had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of > 25, and 10% gave a past or family history of thromboembolism. Of female patients, 24% were taking oestrogens. We conclude that quantitative assessment of all patients for thromboembolic risk can improve the implementation of thromboprophylaxis, particularly in high risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Llandough Hospital, Penarth, South Glamorgan.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harinath
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: St John
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014852:Wales
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens