Audit of VTE prophylaxis prescribing preferences among orthopaedic consultants in Irish orthopaedic trauma centres.

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q2 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

Irish Journal of Medical Science Pub Date : 2025-02-21 DOI:10.1007/s11845-025-03909-4

Charles Timon, Conor Kilkenny, Nicola Byrne, John F Quinlan, Niall P McGoldrick

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Thromboembolic complications are common in trauma orthopaedic practise. Despite extensive research, there remain a number of unanswered questions regarding the use of thromboprophylaxis.

Aims: To establish the current practise among Irish consultant orthopaedic surgeons regarding thromboprophylaxis.

Methods: A confidential online questionnaire regarding VTE prophylaxis was circulated to all consultant orthopaedic surgeons in training hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Questions investigated surgeon awareness of local/national guidelines, inpatient and outpatient prescribing preferences and agreement/disagreement with the statement that defensive medicine, rather than evidence-based medicine, has driven increased emphasis on VTE prophylaxis in Ireland in recent years.

Results: The response rate was 72% (69/96). 72% (50/79) of surgeons were aware of local VTE prophylaxis guidelines. 38% (29/96) were aware of national guidelines. 89% (62/69) routinely used mechanical prophylaxis modalities. 73.9% (51/69) routinely used chemical prophylaxis for inpatients. However, this practise was z extremely heterogenous with five other pharmacological agents used by the remainder. 82.6% (57/69) routinely discharged patients on extended duration chemical prophylaxis. 67% (46/69) agreed that the recent increased emphasis on VTE prophylaxis was due to defensive medicine and not evidence-based medicine.

Conclusion: The results of this survey show that venous thromboembolism is regarded as a significant complication of orthopaedic surgery and most orthopaedic surgeons actively try to prevent it. There was a higher rate of intervention compared to previous surveys of Irish orthopaedic surgeons, possibly reflecting surgeon concerns regarding the high rate of litigation nationally. However, there is no consensus as to the optimum therapy which reflects the conflicting evidence available in the many publications on this subject.

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来源期刊

Irish Journal of Medical Science 医学-医学：内科

CiteScore

3.70

自引率

4.80%

发文量

357

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： The Irish Journal of Medical Science is the official organ of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland. Established in 1832, this quarterly journal is a contribution to medical science and an ideal forum for the younger medical/scientific professional to enter world literature and an ideal launching platform now, as in the past, for many a young research worker. The primary role of both the Academy and IJMS is that of providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information and to promote academic discussion, so essential to scientific progress.