Educating surgical patients to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism: an audit of an effective strategy

OBJECTIVES Venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes approximately 25,000 deaths each year from hospital-acquired thrombosis in the UK. Patient understanding of risk factors and preventive measures is important in preventing VTE. This audit was designed to assess surgical patient awareness and understanding of VTE risk factors and prophylaxis. DESIGN A questionnaire was designed to assess preoperative patient understanding of components of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Leaflets were designed to address gaps in understanding and junior doctors were given guidance on patient education. A second group of patients completed the same questionnaire after introduction of the education system. SETTING Worthing Hospital, UK. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and twenty-one patients due to undergo major general surgery. Seventy-one participants completed the questionnaire prior to implementation of the education system, and 50 after. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Improvement in patient awareness of VTE, its risk factors and its preventative measures (in response to the education system). RESULTS Following the introduction of a targeted VTE education system, there was a significant improvement in the awareness of VTE to 90% (P < 0.01), its signs to 80% (P < 0.01), and its preventative measures to 84% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patient education is of paramount importance in reducing the risks of VTE perioperatively. A simple method of introducing patient education at pre-assessment clinic and as part of their discharge planning, for major elective surgery, is an effective system in improving patient understanding of VTE, its risk factors and the importance of prophylaxis. It may also increase compliance.