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Does Staff Education Increase Sequential Compression Device Utilization: A Retrospective Study
Devin Q John1, Vincent Lee2, Akshay V Daji1
1HCA Florida JFK Hospital, Miami, Florida.
HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine
|July 25, 2026
Summary
A resident-led education program showed a positive trend in improving sequential compression device (SCD) use for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in orthopedic patients, though not statistically significant. Further research is needed to confirm effectiveness and address barriers to compliance.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Patient Safety
- Medical Education
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant risk for orthopedic patients.
- Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are crucial for VTE prophylaxis.
- Suboptimal compliance with SCDs stems from staff misconceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a resident-led educational intervention's impact on SCD utilization.
- To improve nursing staff compliance with SCDs in postoperative orthopedic care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study at two hospitals.
- Single educational session for nursing staff on SCDs.
- Pre- and post-intervention data collection on SCD utilization over 4-week periods.
Main Results:
- Appropriate SCD utilization increased from 73.3% to 89.3% (P = .089).
- Post-intervention patients had higher odds of appropriate SCD use (aOR=3.44), but not statistically significant (P = .103).
- Study included 73 patients; results trended positively but lacked statistical significance due to small sample size.
Conclusions:
- Resident-led education shows a positive trend in SCD compliance.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is key, but institutional barriers need attention.
- Larger studies are required to validate educational impacts and improve adherence.