Thromboprophylaxis on an elderly-care ward: an audit

Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital, and elderly patients are at particularly high risk. Trials consistently show the efficacy of prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin in reducing thromboses. A previous audit in our Trust showed that only 36% of high-risk patients received appropriate thromboprophylaxis, and, as a result, a new hospital protocol was developed. Our subsequent audit a year later showed a substantial improvement, with 75% patients receiving appropriate thromboprophylaxis.