An interdisciplinary model of collaboration between medical staff (MS), hospital quality improvement (QI), and continuing medical education (CME) departments to promote education and practice changes in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients (pts).

Abstract

215 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in cancer pts. VTE is increasing and is the second cause of death in cancer pts, behind only cancer itself. In 2010 of the 186 unique hospitalized cancer pts at our institution with VTE, 25% were medical and 75% surgical. Gaps in clinician knowledge/practice of VTE prevention were evident. Methods: A interdisciplinary approach across clinical and administrative specialties was undertaken, with collaboration between: medical/surgical oncologists, MS leaders, pharmacists, nursing, and hospital departments of QI, information technology, and CME, to educate a target group of 120 cancer clinicians in VTE prophylaxis. In 2/2013 - 2/2014 multiplatform educational initiatives were utilized to reach physicians, advance practice/ward nurses and pharmacists: didactic lectures, Key Opinion Leader visiting professorships, online vignettes, VTE FAQ emails from MS QI leaders, small group sessions, e-learning modules. System changes such as standardized VTE prophylaxis order sets tailored for each service and strategically placed visual cues were also used. Results: Almost 3 times as many unique learners participated in these activities as were targeted. Learner satisfaction, knowledge acquisition and competency were high. Compliance with use of standardized order sets improved from 65 to 95% among the MS. Claims by clinicians of pt contraindications to prophylaxis were audited and found valid. Despite these improvements, incidence of VTE has not dropped, reflecting a national trend. Conclusions: With intensive and interdisciplinary effort, progressin clinician knowledge and performance in VTE prophylaxis can be made. This effort required considerable input from physician champions (eg., surgical oncologists with overlapping roles of clinician, QI advocate, and departmental leader, and medical oncologists with roles of clinician, CME and MS leader). This is a promising model for other QI initiatives. Supported by Unihealth educational grant.