This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
High variability reported in venous disease diagnosis, management
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Results of a survey of health care practitioners suggest a high variability in the diagnosis and management of venous disease, indicating that further grassroots education is needed to improve treatment in this patient population.
The goal of the survey was to assess the practice patterns of primary health care practitioners who diagnose and manage venous disease to ascertain differences in clinical evaluation of disease, recognition of venous ulcers and referral patterns. The data were published in the journal Vascular.
The practitioners received the survey at the August 2011 Primary Care Medical Conference in Baltimore. Overall, 305 surveys were completed. Respondents included physicians (91%) and advanced-level practitioners (9%).
Results revealed that 93% of respondents prescribed compression stockings as first-line treatment. Eighty-one percent of respondents referred patients to vascular surgery, 25% to a vein clinic, 10% to interventional radiology and 3% to interventional cardiology. Referrals to a vascular surgery colleague were not accepted for 35% of respondents.
Furthermore, substantial variation in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis was observed: 88% started anticoagulation therapy; 54% prescribed compression stockings; 40% did a thrombophilia workup; and 25% referred for lytic therapy.
According to the researchers, since primary care practitioners are amenable to education, vascular groups — such as the American Venous Forum, American College of Phlebology and the Society for Vascular Surgery — should provide further outreach to this population.
“Spearheading this effort will demonstrate our willingness as vascular surgeons to treat venous insufficiency in a multidisciplinary fashion, ensuring optimum patient care in a timely fashion,” the researchers wrote. “Grassroots education may lead to earlier intervention thereby decreasing the incidence of venous stasis ulceration in the United States.” – by Brian Ellis
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts