Could a Coagulation Nurse Liaison Improve Compliance With Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Medical Patients?

Abstract

Medical patients worldwide are undertreated with venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Our hypothesis was that the rate of prophylactic anticoagulation therapy for high-risk patients would improve with the use of a coagulation nurse liaison. Six months after appointing a nurse for this role, prophylaxis rates significantly improved, and patients were more likely to receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis. A coagulation nurse liaison substantially improves thromboprophylaxis in a medical ward.