Changing patterns of prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis following elective hip replacement

The author audited the charts of elective hip replacements at a community hospital over an 18 month period. Initially, aspirin was the most commonly ordered prophylactic agent (31%). Only 15% of patients received an ideal or probably effective prophylactic regimen. After feedback was received by the orthopedists, another audit was performed. Warfarin was the most commonly used agent and 54% of patients received an ideal or probably effective regimen in the follow-up period (P < .0001 compared to initial survey). Although there is still room for further improvement, orthopedists in this community are using more effective regimens to prevent thromboembolism following elective hip surgery.