Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines: use by primary care physicians.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2005
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a prevalent, costly medical condition, is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Although risk factors for VTE are well known, thromboembolic events cannot be predicted because patients are asymptomatic and screening methods have limitations. Anticoagulant therapy (eg, low-molecular-weight heparin, unfractionated heparin, selective factor Xa inhibitors) has proved effective for preventing thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While quality care for VTE entails prophylaxis for all relevant patients, many high-risk patients are undertreated or treated incorrectly. Both primary and secondary prevention of VTE remain inadequate for several reasons, including lack of awareness of the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, of the seriousness of VTE, of the benefits of prophylaxis, and of the relatively low risk of bleeding complications. To provide appropriate treatment, physicians must assess the numbers and types of risk factors for each patient, the underlying illness or surgical procedure, and the benefits and risks of possible therapies. The problem of VTE will grow as the US population ages, as surgery is performed on increasingly sick patients, and as the length of hospital stays continues to decrease.
Volume
7
Issue
4
First Page
32
Last Page
38
ISSN
1098-3597
Published In/Presented At
Merli G. J. (2005). Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines: use by primary care physicians. Clinical cornerstone, 7(4), 32–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1098-3597(05)80101-2
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
16758650
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article