OVERVIEW

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis In Surgical Patients is organized by Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM).

Dates:
Release Date: Nov 12, 2018
Expiration Date: Nov 12, 2021

Accreditation:
The Society of Hospital Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM / 2.00 ABIM MOC Self Evaluation Points

Overview:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the surgical patient remains an important medical issue. Research has shown that VTE, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, occurs frequently in hospitalized patients who have undergone general, major gynecologic, major urologic, major orthopedic, or neurosurgery if preventive measures are not taken. Although it is impossible to predict with certainty which surgical patients will develop VTE, it is important for medical consultants to have a working knowledge of the different risk factors for VTE as well as current prophylaxis recommendations in order to employ appropriate strategies to reduce the risk of VTE. The following module discusses the clinical impact of VTE in surgical patients, reviews the various risk factors for VTE in surgical patients, and discusses prophylaxis options. In addition, goals for VTE prophylaxis and methods for evaluating when and how to initiate prophylaxis and determining the length of pharmacologic intervention are provided using recent research and the American College of Chest Physicians 2012 guidelines.

Learning Objectives:
After completing the module, the participant should be able to:
• Recognize the clinical impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) on surgical patients.
• Describe the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a VTE and how to risk stratify surgical patients based on these factors.
• Formulate the goals of prophylactic intervention programs.
• Summarize the VTE prophylaxis regimens for general and abdominopelvic surgery patients.
• Summarize the VTE pharmacoprophylaxis regimens for major orthopedic surgery patients.
• Outline when to initiate VTE chemoprophylaxis and the current roles of extended VTE chemoprophylaxis.