Top picks for World Thrombosis Day

Summary

World Thrombosis Day, founded by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), is a global initiative held annually on 13 October. The mission is to raise awareness about thrombosis, a condition often underestimated and misunderstood.

Blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), together venous thromboembolism (VTE), pose a significant health threat to patients. These potentially life-threatening conditions can manifest silently and without warning, making vigilance and knowledge crucial.

To mark World Thrombosis Day we’ve pulled together resources, blogs and reports from the hub for patients and healthcare professionals, which focus on how to recognise venous thromboembolism and how to improve patient safety.

Content

1. Deep vein thrombosis: understanding and managing your risk

In this blog, Jo Jerrome, CEO of Thrombosis UK, explains the dangers of DVT and why it is important for patients and staff to be aware of the risk factors. Jo offers advice on how we can all manage our risk of DVT.

2. HSIB - Clinical decision making: diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in emergency departments

This investigation by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) explores the timely recognition and treatment of suspected pulmonary embolism in emergency departments.

3. Jenny, and why we must learn from her misdiagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Jenny Edwards died in February 2022 from pulmonary embolism, following misdiagnosis. In this blog, her son Tim introduces us to Jenny, illustrating the deep loss felt following her premature passing. He talks about the care she received and argues that there were multiple points at which pulmonary embolism should have been suspected.

4. Venous thromboembolism (VTE): deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

VTE is a significant cause of mortality, long-term disability and long-lasting ill-health problems – many of which are avoidable. 1 in 20 people will have a VTE at some time in their life and the risk increases with age. This NHS Resolution guide provides more information about the risks of VTE and how to spot the common signs and symptoms.

5. HSIB - The assessment of venous thromboembolism risks associated with pregnancy and the postnatal period final report

This investigation by the HSIB explores the issues associated with the assessment of risk factors for venous thrombosis in pregnancy and the first six weeks after birth. 

6. NHS Resolution: Working to prevent avoidable venous thromboembolism

VTE is an international patient safety issue and a clinical priority for the NHS. Around half of all cases of VTE are associated with hospitalisation, with many events occurring up to 90 days after admission. It is a leading and preventable cause of death in an estimated 25,000 of hospitalised patients each year. This information leaflet highlights the cost of VTE claims and what you can do in your organisation to prevent VTE.

7. Pulmonary embolism misdiagnosis – a systemic problem

Tim Edwards is a risk management expert and son of Jenny, who passed away in February 2022 from pulmonary embolism, following a misdiagnosis. Frustrated by the quality of the initial investigation that followed her death and the lack of assurance that learning would take place, Tim conducted an independent review. In this opinion piece, Tim draws on his research to highlight the key patient safety issues, and to encourage further dialogue around the topic. 

8. Let's Talk Clots! Help reduce your risk of DVT and PE in hospital with this simple app

Download the free Let’s Talk Clots patient information app from Thrombosis UK, and help reduce your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism in hospital.

9. Patient Safety Spotlight Interview with Beverley Hunt, Professor of Thrombosis and Haemostasis and founder of Thrombosis UK

In this interview, Beverley Hunt talks about setting up Thrombosis UK and how it has grown to have a national impact on patient safety in hospitals. She also describes the value of combining policy work with seeing patients face-to-face, and explores the need to find new ways of working to deal with the pressures facing the healthcare system.

10. Risk assessment models for venous thromboembolism in medical inpatients

This cohort study in JAMA Network Open aimed to determine the prognostic performance of the simplified Geneva score and other validated risk assessment models (RAMs) to predict VTE in medical inpatients. The study provided a head-to-head comparison of validated RAMs among 1352 medical inpatients. It found that sensitivity of RAMs to predict 90-day VTE ranged from 39.3% to 82.1% and specificity of RAMs ranged from 34.3% to 70.4%. The authors concluded that the clinical usefulness of existing RAMs is questionable, highlighting the need for more accurate VTE prediction strategies.

11. HSIB: Investigation into management of venous thromboembolism risk in patients following thrombolysis for an acute stroke

This HSIB investigation focused on the management of VTE risk in inpatients following thrombolysis for an acute stroke detection of medical problems (that impact on VTE risk) occurring in inpatients following thrombolysis for an acute stroke.

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