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Published on: December 9, 2022
Malaysian orthopaedic surgeons' approach to venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis: attitudes and practice
1Orthopaedic Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Masjid, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. znizam@medic.upm.edu.my
Purpose:
To survey Malaysian orthopaedic surgeons' attitudes to and use of venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis.
Methods:
A total of 144 orthopaedic surgeons from various governmental and private institutions responded to a questionnaire.
Results:
Only slightly more than half of these surgeons considered venous thromboembolic disease as common a problem in Malaysia as in western countries. The majority of surgeons (91.0%) reported using prophylaxis selectively for patients based on various indicators such as risk grading of surgery, obesity, and malignancy etc. Bleeding tendencies were cited as the greatest fear against the use of pharmacological prophylaxis. Low-molecular-weight heparin appeared to be the most commonly used pharmacological prophylaxis, used either singly or in combination with other forms of prophylaxis. The majority of surgeons employed prophylaxis until their patients were mobile.
Conclusion:
There should be greater awareness among surgeons in Malaysia of the need for protection against venous thromboembolic disease. Current practice needs to be reviewed and further recommendations made for existing protocols.
Insights
Malaysian orthopaedic surgeons have varying awareness of venous thromboembolic disease risks. While most use prophylaxis selectively, citing bleeding risks, enhanced education and protocol review are needed.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a significant concern in surgical patients.
- Understanding current prophylaxis practices is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Malaysian orthopaedic surgeons' perceptions and usage of VTE prophylaxis.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to VTE prophylaxis in Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to 144 orthopaedic surgeons.
- Participants represented diverse governmental and private healthcare institutions in Malaysia.
Main Results:
- Over half of surgeons underestimated VTE prevalence in Malaysia compared to Western countries.
- 91% selectively used prophylaxis based on risk factors; bleeding was the primary concern.
- Low-molecular-weight heparin was the most frequent pharmacological agent; prophylaxis continued until patient mobility.
Conclusions:
- Increased surgeon awareness regarding VTE is necessary in Malaysia.
- Current VTE prophylaxis practices require review and updated recommendations.
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