title: Current practice of venous thromboembolism prevention in acute trusts: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the current practice of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in acute trusts.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative research design was used to explore the perceived current practice of thromboprophylaxis, and knowledge and experience of VTE prevention. Data were collected via interviews with personnel from acute trusts and other relevant organisations and charities. Constant comparison was used to generate themes grounded in the data.
  
  
  METHODS
  The UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  17 participants, sampled due to their expertise and knowledge in the field of VTE, were interviewed for the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No one felt directly responsible for VTE risk assessment and treatment in acute trusts. There were concerns whether any action takes place based on the risk assessment. Low levels of VTE knowledge existed throughout the system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study highlights the importance of continuous training to prevent VTE risk assessment being considered a tick box exercise and for clinicians to understand the significance of the procedure to ensure that VTE preventative measures are administered. It is essential that acute trust staff acknowledge that VTE prevention is the responsibility of everyone involved in a patient's care. Concerns remain around prophylaxis treatment, administration and contraindications.
authors.affiliation: Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McFarland
authors.affiliation: Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heneghan
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fitzmaurice
authors.affiliation: Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Greenfield
mesh_terms: D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH