A Post-Take Ward Round Sticker for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Stroke Patients: A Quality Improvement Project

12^th International Conference on Stroke, Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases

August 18-19, 2021 | Webinar

Ankita Arora

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JND

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Venous Thromboembolism, including Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonay Embolism, is a major cause of avoidable death amongst hospitalised patients with stroke. Many venous thrombi occur in the fi rst 48 hours, so preventative measures should be initiated in a timely manner. The post-take ward round is a key moment at which this complexity can be managed. However, in the busy environment of an acute take it can be diffi cult to be consistently systematic and address all the points for VTE prevention on the ward round. AIM: The aim of this project was to improve VTE assessment and prevention in Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital,Norwich through the introduction of PTWR checklist sticker that acts as a prompt and allows any uncompleted task to be allocated to a specifi c team member for completion at the end of the PTWR. METHODS: Data was collected from Electronic Prescribing and Medication Administration system and patient's notes to answer seven audit questions that were devised to assess VTE assessment completion and IPC sleeves prescription pre and post implementation of PTWR Checklist stickers. RESULTS: Preintervention results highlighted that VTE assessment was incomplete in 15% of cases, and IPC sleeves were not prescribed in more than 50% of cases in those indicated. A signifi cant improvement was seen in completion of VTE assessment and IPC sleeves prescription postintervention. CONCLUSION: PTWR checklist sticker has been well received and it resulted in the improvement of VTE prevention in stroke patients. All users of the checklist feel it contributes to improving patient safety, and improves the PTWR experience.

Biography :

Dr Ankita Arora has completed her medical degree from University of Pavia, Italy and is completing her foundation training in England at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich. She has actively been involved in projects with non-profi t organizations throughout her medical school.