Formulation and application of prevention and control guideline for deep venous thrombosis in lower extremities bedridden elderly patients

Abstract

Objective To formulate a prevention and control guideline for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremities in bedridden elderly patients and to explore its effects. Methods The problems existing in prevention and control of DVT in bedridden elderly patients were analyzed by search for literature, interviewing medical and nursing staff in the ward and reviewing DVT cases in bedridden elderly patients. The prevention and control guideline was formulated based on the evidence-based practice guideline. Relevant health videos were made and quality control measures were formulated by building DVT prevention and control teams and processes for bedridden elderly patients and adopting Caprini's and Padua's risk assessment tools. The prevention and control guideline was put into clinical use since February 2017. The incidence of DVT and blood stasis in bedridden elderly patients before (from May 2016 to January 2017, n=112) and after (between February and November 2017, n=99) the implementation of the guideline. Results After the prevention and control guideline was implemented, the positive rate of blood stasis in the bedridden elderly patients rose from 6.3% (7/112) to 15.2% (15/99) , while the incidence rate of DVT dropped from 8.9% (10/112) to 2.0% (2/99) (χ2=4.458, 4.676; P<0.05) . Conclusions The prevention and control guideline based on the DVT prevention and management guideline can reduce the risks of DVT in bedridden elderly inpatients. Key words: Aged; Deep venous thrombosis; Bedridden patients; Prevention