Venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prophylaxis in hospitalised medical patients in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa

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Date

2022

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

South African Medical Association

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is regarded as the most preventable cause of inpatient death in hospital settings globally. VTE can be prevented through the provision of non-pharmacological and/or pharmacological thromboprophylaxis following individualised risk screening. The Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) offers a validated and well-established approach for VTE risk assessment in medical inpatients. Literature findings describe a trend towards inappropriate and under-prescribing of thromboprophylaxis in this population. Together with concerns regarding clinicians’ perceived importance of VTE risk assessment, the need to clarify these aspects of practice is evident. To describe VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis practices of medical practitioners in public sector hospitals in Western Cape Province, South Africa (SA).

Description

Keywords

Venous thromboembolism, Medical patients, Cape Town metropole, COVID-19 pandemic, Pharmacy

Citation

Wehmeyer, A. et al. (2022). Venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prophylaxis in hospitalised medical patients in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa. South African Medical Journal, 112(2), 117-123. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2022.v112i2.16040