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'Checklist' increases physician compliance in ordering prophylaxis for trauma patients
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A computerized checklist to help physicians identify and use the best prophylaxis practices reduced the number of venous thromboembolisms for hospitalized adult trauma patients, according to a recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers.
“All hospitalized patients are at risk for this complication, and a huge number of these deadly clots are preventable if we give patients the right prophylaxis,” Elliot R. Haut, MD, associate professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, stated in a press release.
Researchers found that the checklist increased compliance with prophylaxis guidelines from 66.2% to 84.4%. As compliance increased, risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) decreased from 1% to 0.17%, according to the abstract.
There was also a two-fold improvement in physician prophylaxis orders in patients who did not need the treatment. Risk of lung clots remained the same through the study period. However, deep vein thrombosis in leg trauma patients decreased by 90%, from 2.26% to 0.25%, according to a press release.
“We tried education alone for years and still only 40% to 60% of patients were getting optimal treatment. With this computerized system, we have made great strides toward making sure every patient gets exactly what he or she needs,” Haut stated.
Reference:
Haut ER. Arch Surg. 2012;doi:10.1001/archsurg.2012.2024.
