Research Priorities in Venous Thromboembolism after Trauma: Secondary Analysis of the National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP).

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during recovery from injury and can result in significant healthcare costs. Despite advances in the past several decades in our approach to VTE prophylaxis after injury, opportunities exist to improve the delivery and implementation of optimal VTE prophylaxis. Here, we aim to identify consensus research questions related to VTE across all NTRAP Delphi expert panels to further guide the research agenda aimed at preventing VTE after injury. This is a secondary analysis of consensus-based research priorities that were collected using a Delphi methodology by 11 unique NTRAP panels that were charged with unique topic areas across the spectrum of injury care. The database of questions was queried for the keywords "VTE", "venous thromboembo", and "DVT", then grouped into relevant topic areas. There were 86 VTE-related research questions identified across 9 NTRAP panels. 85 questions reached consensus with 24 rated high priority, 60 medium priority and 1 low priority. Questions related to the timing of VTE prophylaxis (n = 17) were most common, followed by questions related to risk factors for the development of VTE (n = 16), the effects of tranexamic acid on VTE (n = 11), the approach to dosing of pharmacologic prophylaxis (n = 8), as well as the pharmacologic prophylactic medication choice for optimal VTE prophylaxis (n = 6). NTRAP panelists identified 85 consensus-based research questions that should drive dedicated extramural research funding opportunities to support quality studies aimed at optimizing VTE prophylaxis after injury. Original Research, IV.