Risk assessment and preventive strategies of Deep Vein Thrombosis among patients admitted in Intensive Care Units of a selected hospital in Mangaluru

Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT) is thrombophlebitis of deep veins and is known to be associated with fatal complications. Use of appropriate measures through risk assessment are of vital importance in preventing DVT related complications. Well’s criteria is a beneficial tool in categorizing the patients, therefore may guide in using appropriate preventive strategies and promoting wellbeing of immobilized patients. The present study aimed at assessing the risk and preventive strategies of Deep Vein Thrombosis among patients admitted in Intensive Care Units (ICU) of a selected hospital in Mangaluru. The study was conducted by a descriptive cross sectional design. The study was conducted among 120 ICU admitted patients of Father Muller Medical College Hospital. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sample. The tools used were Well’s criteria for risk assessment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and checklist for preventive strategies used. The patients were assessed after 48 hours of admission to ICU. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant association between age above 55years (p=0.02) and diagnosis related to medical conditions of the subjects (p=0.02). Out of total 120 subjects assessed, 26 subjects had high DVT risk and 94 subjects had moderate DVT risk. Further assessment on use of preventive measures revealed that among subjects with high DVT risk, 3 subjects were on pneumatic compression devices, 18 on crepe bandages and 1 with LMWH. And out of 94 subjects with moderate DVT risk, 3 were on pneumatic compression devices, 7 on crepe bandages and 2 with LMWH. It is found that mechanical devices for prevention of DVT even though advised are seldom considered due to lack of awareness among the health care personnel towards its positive effect.