DefinePK

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Deep venous thrombosis is life life-threatened critical vascular condition in which the formation of blood clots occurs in deep veins, especially in lower limbs that may lead to pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Despite standardized guidelines and protocols for the assessment of DVT risk and its prophylaxis, utilization remained suboptimal, especially in developed or underdeveloped countries OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to evaluate current practices regarding DVT risk assessment by using the Caprini Risk Assessment Model (RAM) in hospitalized patients. Moreover, it also aimed to investigate the implementation of prophylaxis. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A prospective clinical study was held in two phases across multiple wards of tertiary care hospitals (Prime Teaching Hospital & Kuwait Teaching Hospital) in Peshawar. A total of 271 patients were recruited in Phase I and 340 patients in Phase II. Healthcare professionals received education about the dangers of DVT and the significance of prompt prophylaxis. Posters were also displayed in the ward for underlining the necessity of VTE prophylaxis. Data was collected through a structured checklist based on Caprini RAM protocols and SPSS v.22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The findings revealed that in both phases of the clinical study, the majority of patients were observed to be at moderate risk followed by a high risk of DVT. Preoperative risk assessment was conducted for 84.1% of patients in Phase I and 86,2% in Phase II but a small percentage of patients received prophylaxis in the first phase (22.1%). Then in the second phase of study, a significant improvement was observed up to 56.5%. Regarding the type of prophylaxis, mechanical prophylaxis was a commonly used intervention in both phases. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements observed in phase II highlighted the potential of structured interventions and also enhanced awareness among health care providers. Furthermore, it may benefit patients' quality of life and overall, well-being by reducing the burden of complications associated with DVT.