Patient compliance with postnatal thromboprophylaxis: An observational study

Abstract

Prescription of postnatal thromboprophylaxis has increased with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Our study of postnatal women meeting the criteria for thromboprophylaxis aimed to ascertain compliance with low-molecular-weight heparin and barriers to completion of a full course. Women were recruited from the antenatal clinic or postnatal wards. Those who agreed were contacted by telephone 14 days after delivery and asked about their compliance with and experience of thromboprophylaxis. 111 women were followed up. We found reported compliance with postnatal thromboprophylaxis to be high (83% taking the full course); most women self-injected (54%) but a significant number relied on family members (39%). Most would be prepared to take the course in a future pregnancy (94%); however, some felt that they needed more information. Reported compliance with postnatal thromboprophylaxis is high. This may be down to the motivation of the new mother, appropriate information giving and access to health care professionals for advice.