566 The compliance of the surgical unit with regards to the NICE guideline recommendation for extended VTE for post-operative colorectal cancer patients in both elective and emergency settings

Abstract

Abstract Aims This audit assessed the compliance of the surgical unit with regards to the NICE guideline recommendation for extended VTE for post-operative colorectal cancer patients in both elective and emergency settings. The audit reviewed the various factors for non-compliance and posits action plans to improve compliance. Methods Data was collected over a 3 month period for all consecutive elective and emergency colorectal cancer resections. The operation notes, discharge summaries, drug charts and clinical notes were reviewed and data collated and analyzed with the Microsoft Excel application. Results 30 cases met the inclusion criteria, 25 elective and 5 emergencies. Within 24 hours of admission, only 47% of all cases were prescribed mechanical prophylaxis but 93% prescribed pharmacological. Whilst 70% of cases had VTE prophylaxis written in operation notes, only 10% of these stated the 28 day extended VTE requirement. Cases that had received the recommended 28 day extended VTE post operatively was found to be 83% with 17% of cases receiving fewer than 28 days post operatively. Conclusions The deficits found in this study could be due to a number of factors that include but are not limited to lack of education of post operative VTE requirements for colorectal cancer, lack of clear documentation of requirements and incorrect prescribing at admission and discharge.