title: Evaluating transitions of care of hospitalized medical patients to long-term care facilities: a retrospective review of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
abstract: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant but preventable cause of hospital-related morbidity and mortality. Prevention of in-hospital VTE, thus, has become a major quality improvement initiative within hospitals. However, addressing VTE prophylaxis rates and appropriateness on transition to other facilities has not been fully characterized to date. The authors of this study retrospectively evaluated VTE prophylaxis on transfer from medical inpatient settings to long-term care facilities. Analysis indicated that on transfer to other facilities, VTE prophylaxis recommendations were not routinely documented. Interfacility communication is crucial to ensure that appropriate prophylaxis recommendations are addressed during transitions of care. New processes evaluating VTE prophylaxis recommendations at the time of care transfer warrant further study.
authors: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. bburton1@jhmi.edu
authors: Bradley L
authors: BL
authors: Burton
authors: Ada Ibe
authors: AI
authors: Offurum
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Grover
authors: Badia
authors: B
authors: Faddoul
authors: Mangla
authors: M
authors: Gulati
authors: Kristin L
authors: KL
authors: Seidl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult