Summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a thrombus – a blood clot – forms in a vein. Usually, this occurs in the deep veins of
the legs and pelvis and is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The thrombus or parts of it can break off, travel in the blood system and eventually block an artery in the lung. This is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE is a collective term for both DVT and PE.
Content
This annual report, by the All-Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group, recognises that the 2018 survey of Trusts and CCGs shows, like the year before, many areas of best practice and provision of written and verbal patient information are well established across the country. However, there is evidence of decline in a number of areas, even within those areas that have met their targets.
While the NHS is facing a number of pressures across the organisation, including financial constraint and capacity issues, it is crucially important that VTE prevention and management remains a focus, particularly given the increasing rate of admissions and the rising elderly population. VTE risk assessment is an excellent way of helping to improve patient safety, while also lowering overall cost.
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