Assessment of a self-administration protocol for extended subcutaneous thromboprophylaxis in lower limb arthroplasty.
The risk of venous thromboembolism in patients following arthroplasty may be reduced by continuing chemical thromboprophylaxis for up to 35 days post-operatively. This prospective cohort study investigated the compliance of 40 consecutive consenting patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty with self-administration of a recommended subcutaneous chemotherapeutic agent for six weeks after surgery. Compliance was assessed by examination of the patient for signs of injection, number of syringes used, and a self-report diary at the end of the six-week period. A total of 40 patients, 15 men and 25 women, were recruited. One woman was excluded because immediate post-operative complications prevented her participation. Self-administration was considered feasible in 87% of patients (95% confidence interval (CI) 76 to 98) at the time of discharge. Among this group of 34 patients, 29 (85%) were compliant (95% CI 73 to 97). Patients can learn to self-administer subcutaneous injections of thromboprophylaxis, and compliance with extended prophylaxis to six weeks is good.
Watts
A C
AC
Elective Orthopaedic Unit New Royal Infirmary, Little France, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SU, UK.
Howie
C R
CR
Simpson
A H R W
AH
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000077425:Fondaparinux