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Published on: February 10, 2023
Graduated compression stockings for the prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in obstetric patients: a
Gail Ross-Adjie1, Helen McAllister, Sue Bradshaw
1St John of God Hospital: A JBI Evidence Utilisation Group, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia. gail.ross-adjie@sjog.org.au
Insights
This study improved venous thromboembolism (VTE) management for Caesarean section patients by implementing standardized guidelines and education. Follow-up audits showed significant clinical improvements, encouraging wider adoption of best practices.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vascular Surgery
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant risk for Caesarean section patients.
- Current management practices may not align with best evidence, necessitating quality improvement initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare current VTE management in post-Caesarean section patients with best evidence, specifically regarding graduated compression stockings.
- To standardize mechanical VTE prophylaxis guidelines in a private hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase audit of 30 post-Caesarean section patients was conducted.
- Interventions included enhanced VTE awareness, targeted education for midwives, standardized prophylaxis guidelines, and consumer involvement.
- A follow-up audit assessed the impact of implemented changes.
Main Results:
- The initial audit identified areas for improvement in VTE management criteria.
- Following a 3-month intervention period, the follow-up audit demonstrated significant improvements in four out of five audit criteria.
- One criterion remained unchanged, indicating areas for continued focus.
Conclusions:
- The implemented interventions led to notable clinical improvements in VTE management.
- Challenges were encountered due to the rapid implementation of multiple changes.
- Ongoing audits are planned to ensure sustained improvements in this high-risk patient cohort.
Aims:
The aims of this project were twofold: to compare our current venous thromboembolism management in postoperative Caesarean section patients with the current best evidence on the use of graduated compression stockings and to standardise mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines where multiple approaches had previously been used.
Method:
Thirty post-Caesarean section patients from a private hospital in Perth, Western Australia, were audited in a three-phase project: (i) the initial audit; (ii) clinical practice change including greater venous thromboembolism awareness and targeted education for midwives, standardised guidelines for mechanical prophylaxis, the development of an online venous thromboembolism module, a venous thromboembolism prophylaxis policy and heightened consumer involvement; and (iii) a follow-up audit.
Results:
Our initial audit result demonstrated opportunities for improvement across all audit criteria. The interventions were undertaken over a 3-month period from August to October 2010. The follow-up audit results showed pleasing improvements across four audit criteria with one criterion unchanged.
Conclusion:
While the follow-up audit showed significant clinical improvements, the tight time frame for the development and implementation of multiple interventions created major challenges. We believe that given time to embed these changes, further improvements will be seen. Ongoing audits will be conducted to ensure the sustainability of these changes. The change in practice and subsequent improvements demonstrated at this private hospital provide evidence to encourage other midwifery units to pursue best practice in the management of this high-risk patient cohort.
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