Thromboembolism
Conditions
Brief summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common especially among post-operative patients, and its occurrence is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. VTE is highly preventable with prophylactic modalities ranging from conservative measures such as early mobilization, to mechanical prophylaxis such as intermittent pneumatic compression (ICP), to pharmacological prophylaxis such as peri-operative anticoagulation. Despite established guidelines from various professional societies, the practice of VTE prophylaxis varied greatly from institute to institute. Evidence suggests that there is a significant gap between the optimal thromboprophylaxis as suggested by experts and real-work practice. Many healthcare-providers (HCP) and patients at risk of VTE are either not aware of the risk of VTE or not confident to apply the necessary thromboprophylaxis. The knowledge level of VTE appears to play a key role in affecting the level of compliance to the optimal thromboprophylaxis. Considerable improvement in VTE prophylaxis utilization may result from the implementation of a multifaceted educational program. By improving patient's awareness on VTE prophylaxis, the incidence of DVT might be reduced. The knowledge level of patients can be improved by various means including educational video, administrative measures, or continue medical education program. However, no prospective study has been performed to assess the impact of an educational program on the VTE knowledge level among post-operative patients and their HCP, and if any improvement of their knowledge level can be translated to a better adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines. We therefore propose to conduct a prospective non-randomized controlled study to evaluate the effect of an education materials for the patients as well as their HCP on their knowledge level as well as the utilization and adherence of VTE prophylaxis in these patients by comparing two groups of patients and HCP.
Interventions
OTHERNo intervention as this is an observational study
No intervention
Sponsors
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Capable of providing written informed consent and willing and able to adhere to all protocol requirements * Male or female at least 18 years of age at the time of providing written informed consent * Adult patients age \>18 scheduled for surgical operations * Healthcare Providers directedly involve in patients care of these surgical patients.
Exclusion criteria
* Unable to make their own informed consent * Unable to understand the study protocol * Visually or auditorily impaired.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in VTE knowledge between 2 groups | 4 weeks | Difference between the knowledge level in the subject group and HCP group after the administration of the educational materials as measured with questionnaire |
| VTE prophylaxis prescription by healthcare providers | 4 weeks | Difference in VTE prophylaxis prescribed by HCP after the administration of the educational materials assessed upon patient follow-up/ discharge as reflected by drug prescription sheet and discharge summary |
| VTE prophylaxis adherence | 4 weeks | VTE prophylaxis will be advised to subjects upon discharge. Difference in VTE prophylaxis adherence of subjects after the administration of the educational materials will be assessed verbally during follow-up consultation by investigators. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in VTE knowledge level within the HCP group | 4 weeks | difference in VTE knowledge level within the HCP group before and after the administration of the educational materials as measured with questionnaire. |
| Difference in patient satisfaction | 4 weeks | Difference in patient satisfaction scoring before and after the administration of the educational materials to the HCPs assessed during patient follow-up consultation by investigators |
| Difference in the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) | 4 weeks | Difference in rate of VTE in the HCP group before and after the administration of the educational materials. |
Countries
Hong Kong
Outcome results
None listed