VTE Prophylaxis Guidelines in Hospitalized Elders

Duke University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Venous Thromboembolism

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT03025100

Pro00056253

R03AG048007-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Guideline directed use of pharmacologic Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis emphasizes mobility evaluation. Mobility is a key component of risk stratification. Poor mobility evaluation by providers may be a significant barrier to appropriate use of VTE prophylaxis. The investigators aim is to propose to determine whether level of mobility during hospitalization is being used to influence use and duration of VTE prophylaxis among medically ill hospitalized elders. To achieve this aim, the investigator will collect prospective observational data to objectively measure inpatient mobility using patient mounted accelerometers during patient hospital stays.

The investigator's goal is to improve the appropriateness of use of VTE prophylaxis among those in which the risks of harm may outweigh the benefit. Results from this study will provide important insights about use of risk assessment, and the relationship between patient mobility and VTE prophylaxis. These results are critical to understanding how to take the next steps toward improving the appropriate use and safety of anticoagulants in hospitalized older adults. Information from this study could be used in future proposals to study interventions to ultimately improve hospital practice in the care of older adults.

Enrollment: 79 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Age of 60 or older
2. Admitted to General Medicine at Duke University

Exclusion criteria

1. Clear contraindications to pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis
2. Receiving surgery during their index hospital stay
3. On observation admission status
4. On negative pressure room respiratory isolation
5. Wrist site is not available, i.e. wearing bilateral wrist IVs, skin breakdown at the time of screening
6. Ankle site is not available, i.e. patients with leg ulcer at the time of screening
7. Lacking decision-making ability (such as from severe cognitive impairment) and no LAR available
8. Non-English speakers

Trial design

79 participants in 1 patient group

Prospective

Description:

A sample of 120 patients aged 60 years or older admitted to General Medicine at Duke University Hospital will be enrolled in the prospective cohort study. A convenience sample will be derived from a randomized daily list of general medicine admissions; weekend admissions will be excluded as these patients will not be captured within 24 hours of hospital admission.