Related Experiment Videos
Outpatient deep vein thrombosis treatment models
1Department of Pharmacy, Burnaby Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.
Pharmacotherapy
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Over 40% of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients can be safely treated at home using low-molecular-weight heparin. This outpatient approach avoids hospitalization and reduces healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects approximately 9000 Canadian patients annually.
- Current standard treatment involves 5-10 days of inpatient intravenous unfractionated heparin therapy, incurring significant costs.
- A substantial proportion of uncomplicated DVT cases are suitable for outpatient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the feasibility and benefits of outpatient treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- To identify core models for implementing successful outpatient DVT treatment programs.
- To reduce healthcare costs associated with DVT management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing DVT treatment protocols and resource utilization.
- Identification and description of five core models for outpatient DVT management.
- Pilot implementation of a medical day care clinic model at Burnaby Hospital.
Main Results:
- Over 40% of uncomplicated DVT patients (3600 annually in Canada) can be safely treated as outpatients.
- Outpatient treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin offers a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization.
- Interim evaluation of the Burnaby Hospital pilot program demonstrated overwhelming success.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a safe and effective strategy.
- Implementation of structured outpatient DVT programs can optimize resource use and reduce healthcare expenditures.
- Five distinct models exist to facilitate the adoption of outpatient DVT treatment across various healthcare settings.