Audit of VTE prophylaxis prescribing preferences among orthopaedic consultants in Irish orthopaedic trauma centres.

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic complications are common in trauma orthopaedic practise. Despite extensive research, there remain a number of unanswered questions regarding the use of thromboprophylaxis.

AIMS: To establish the current practise among Irish consultant orthopaedic surgeons regarding thromboprophylaxis.

METHODS

A confidential online questionnaire regarding VTE prophylaxis was circulated to all consultant orthopaedic surgeons in training hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Questions investigated surgeon awareness of local/national guidelines, inpatient and outpatient prescribing preferences and agreement/disagreement with the statement that defensive medicine, rather than evidence-based medicine, has driven increased emphasis on VTE prophylaxis in Ireland in recent years.

RESULTS

The response rate was 72% (69/96). 72% (50/79) of surgeons were aware of local VTE prophylaxis guidelines. 38% (29/96) were aware of national guidelines. 89% (62/69) routinely used mechanical prophylaxis modalities. 73.9% (51/69) routinely used chemical prophylaxis for inpatients. However, this practise was z extremely heterogenous with five other pharmacological agents used by the remainder. 82.6% (57/69) routinely discharged patients on extended duration chemical prophylaxis. 67% (46/69) agreed that the recent increased emphasis on VTE prophylaxis was due to defensive medicine and not evidence-based medicine.

CONCLUSION

The results of this survey show that venous thromboembolism is regarded as a significant complication of orthopaedic surgery and most orthopaedic surgeons actively try to prevent it. There was a higher rate of intervention compared to previous surveys of Irish orthopaedic surgeons, possibly reflecting surgeon concerns regarding the high rate of litigation nationally. However, there is no consensus as to the optimum therapy which reflects the conflicting evidence available in the many publications on this subject.