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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Self-Reported Rates of Adherence to Aspirin Prescribed as an Antithrombotic Therapy Following Postoperative Total
Deborah Wittig-Wells1, Susan Shapiro, Melinda Higgins
1Deborah Wittig-Wells, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Director of Nursing Research, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA. Susan Shapiro, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Dean for Clinical and Community Partnerships, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Melinda Higgins, PhD, Associate Research Professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Jacqueline Samms-McPherson, MSN/MHA, RN, Charge Nurse, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA. Donald Shane Winterboer, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA. Ifeya Johnson, AS, RN, Staff Nurse, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA. Jessica Carter, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA. Ani Jacob, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Tucker, GA.
Background:
Patients may not understand the importance of medication adherence when discharged with aspirin (ASA) as an anticoagulant for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after joint replacement surgery.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported rates of adherence to postoperative use of ASA for VTE prophylaxis.
Methods:
This was an exploratory, descriptive study using a convenience sample of 99 participants. Adherence was measured with a 4-question self-reporting tool.
Results:
Thirty-seven percent were male and 76% were Caucasian, and median age was 63 years. Ninety-two percent had the dosage correct, 76% knew how long to take the medication, and 100% of the sample was still taking the ASA; 40% had forgotten to take 1 or more doses of the medication. No associations were noted. Overall compliance was 44%.
Conclusion:
A significant number missed 1 or more doses. This is an opportunity for nurses to work with patients on innovative ways to improve adherence.
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