A clinical pathway for deep vein thrombosis

Area of Science:

• Medical Care
• Nursing
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Home care agencies are increasingly managing patients requiring low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• This represents a new patient demographic for home care services, necessitating standardized care protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and evaluation of a clinical pathway for home-based DVT treatment with LMWH.
• To provide a framework for consistent patient assessment, care delivery, monitoring, and documentation.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a standardized clinical pathway for LMWH administration in home care settings.
• Evaluation of the pathway's impact on patient care processes and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The clinical pathway provided a structured approach to managing DVT patients at home.
• Defined expected outcomes and guided comprehensive patient assessment, care, monitoring, and documentation.

Conclusions:

• Clinical pathways are valuable tools for home care agencies managing new patient populations like those on LMWH for DVT.
• Standardized pathways enhance the quality and consistency of care provided in home settings.