Sequential Compression Device Adherence is Low in Hospitalized Antepartum Patients

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Vascular Surgery
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a risk for hospitalized antepartum women.
• Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are used to prevent VTE in these patients.
• Adherence to SCD use can be a challenge in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe sequential compression device (SCD) adherence in hospitalized antepartum women.
• To investigate the association between SCD education and SCD adherence.
• To explore the relationship between SCD use and pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 123 antepartum women admitted between 2016 and 2018.
• SCD use was monitored using the Kendall SCD 700 series compliance meter.
• Patient surveys were conducted to identify reasons for non-adherence.

Main Results:

• Median SCD use was low at 17.3% before and 20.7% after an educational intervention (p=0.71).
• Patient education and pharmacologic prophylaxis were not associated with improved SCD adherence.
• The primary reason for not wearing SCDs was the prevention of walking (43.0%).

Conclusions:

• Hospitalized antepartum women exhibit low adherence to SCD use.
• Current educational interventions and pharmacologic prophylaxis do not significantly improve SCD adherence.
• Strategies to facilitate patient mobility while using SCDs may enhance adherence and VTE prevention.