Royal colleges advise professions of cost-effective prevention for VTE

The four professions* (doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists) have come together to review the evidence for prevention of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) and advise their members to follow NICE recommendations on risk assessment and prevention for VTE.
 
The current NICE guidance provides the most clinically- and cost-effective measures for VTE prophylaxis in patients at risk of VTE in hospitals and compliance with this best practice for VTE makes financial sense for the NHS under pressure to reduce costs.
 
The statement is a response to calls for consideration of VTE prophylaxis for medical patients and finds that there is significant support for the prevention methods currently in use; risk assessment of patients for VTE and administering of preventative treatment for those found at risk of VTE.
 
House of Commons Health Select Committee figures estimate that 25,000 avoidable deaths occur every year in the UK from hospital-acquired VTE. Recent Hospital Episodes Statistics data for 2010 – 2011 found that over 56,000 people – around 1000 per week – were diagnosed with blood clots in their legs or lungs. 
 
Professor Terence Stephenson, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said: 
"VTE remains a huge issue and is a major cause of death of in hospitals. It is vital that all clinical staff are following the most up to date and effective clinical practice to tackle VTE.  That is why we have reviewed that advice previously produced on behalf of the professional bodies representing the professions of medicine, nursing, midwifery and pharmacy. The Academy continues to support its members and other professional bodies in recommending and bringing to the attention of their members and fellows the best possible ways to deal with VTE. In light of recent studies we remain certain that the NICE guidelines are the most appropriate to follow."
 
 
 
 
Notes to Editors
  • 93.4% of the 3.3million adult patients admitted to NHS funded acute care between April and June 2012 were assessed for risk VTE. This is an increase from the previous quarter, when 92.5% of patients were assessed, and it is the second quarter that the target of 90% of patients being assessed for VTE has been met. 
  • The total number of patients assessed since the programme began in July 2010 is around 21million. Currently over 260,000 patients are being assessed every week. 
  • This approach to VTE is unique – the NHS in England is the first healthcare system in the world to assess patients in this way.

 

*The four professions are: Royal College of Physicians, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Nursing and Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

 
The NICE guidance referred to is CG92.
 
Action to preventative VTE happens regularly on wards but does not, at present, cover every single patient who is at risk. This statement is to raise awareness of VTE with the professions reminding them of its importance and to ensure that all patients at risk are screened.
 
VTE refers to blood clots that occur inside veins. The majority of deaths from VTE are caused when part of the clot breaks off, and eventually blocks the pulmonary arteries in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
 
Patients who survive pulmonary embolism (PE) often develop comorbidities, including post thrombotic syndrome (swelling of the legs) which can impact on quality of life.