Use and wear of anti-embolism stockings: a clinical audit of surgical patients.
The objective of this study was to determine if anti-embolism stockings are fitted and worn according to evidence-based guidelines in surgical patients. The methodology is that an observational study was undertaken during January and February, 2010. An audit tool was constructed for the recording of information on a variety of parameters relating to the correct fitting and wearing of anti-embolism stockings. The results show that eighty surgical patients were audited with a mean age of 66 years. Of these, 72.5% were ambulatory; 38.75% of patients had incorrect presentation of their stockings; 29% were fitted with the incorrect size for limb measurement and 70% of patients reported not receiving any information regarding the reason for anti-embolism stocking use. Written information was not received by 100% of participants. For 82.5% of participants deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk was not recorded. The garment size fitted (and/or limb measurement) was not recorded for 100% of patients. Daily routine skin inspection was noted for 29%. The findings of this study showed that anti-embolism stockings were not fitted and worn according to evidence-based guidelines. The author recommends a new recording tool be developed to ensure consistency of assessment and documentation regarding risk assessment, contraindications identification, and education and monitoring of patients wearing anti-embolism stockings.
MWoundCare, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Julie.miller@austin.org.au
Julie A
JA
Miller
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054869:Clinical Audit; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
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