High incidence of venous thromboembolism despite electronic alerts for thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised cancer patients

• DOI: 10.1160/th13-02-0131
• Publication Date: 2013-05-16T11:03:57Z
• Authors: Margarita Marqués; Elena Panizo; Ana Alfonso; Alberto García-Mo...; Ignacio Gil-Bazo; José Hermida; Sam Schulman; José Páramo; Ramón Lecumberri
• Keywords: Hematology

Summary Many cancer patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during hospitalisation; nevertheless, thromboprophylaxis is frequently underused. Electronic alerts (e-alerts) have been associated with improvement in use and a reduction the incidence VTE, both hospitalisation after discharge, particularly medical setting. However, there no data regarding benefit this tool patients. Our aim was to evaluate impact computer-alert system for VTE prevention cancer, those admitted Oncology/Haematology ward, comparing results rest inpatients university teaching hospital. The study included 32,167 adult hospitalised first semesters years 2006 2010, 9,265 (28.8%) an active malignancy. Appropriate prophylaxis patients, significantly increased over time (from 40% 57% 2010) maintained 80% surgical while e-alerts were without (odds ratio [OR] 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.64), modest (OR 0.89; CI, 0.42–1.86) observed Departments 1.11; 0.45–2.73). Interestingly, 60% episodes recent developed despite appropriate prophylaxis. Contrary on implementation did not prevent effectively among malignancies.