title: Venous thromboembolism: reducing the risk.
abstract: This article demonstrates how services provided in minor injury units (MIUs) and emergency departments (EDs) can be improved by the implementation of routine thromboprophylaxis by subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin for patients whose lower limbs are immobilised by plaster casts. The author offers evidence of the need for such a change in practice from a literature review and a case study, and describes how it can be achieved in five steps. She also outlines a protocol for routine thromboprophylaxis in MIUs and EDs.
authors: Newquay Hospital, Cornwall.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Inniss
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight