Process Improvement VTE Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients

The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is estimated at 600,000 to 1 million events per year and is expected to increase as the population ages. Approximately half of all VTEs are directly attributable to hospitalization. Hospitalists should understand the importance of VTE prophylaxis, perform a risk assessment for VTE on all hospitalized patients and be familiar with current VTE prophylaxis guidelines. In many institutions rates of VTE prophylaxis can be improved. There are several resources available to hospitalists who desire to implement or improve VTE programs. These quality improvement initiates should be multifaceted with feedback provided to providers.