The Westmead Hospital emergency department team identified a significant variation in how Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) presentations were treated. The team initiated processes for standardising and optimising management of acute DVT, including a web-based clinical decision support tool. Also, a streamlined model of care for assessment, treatment and follow-up was implemented with ongoing monitoring and evaluation enabling continuous improvement.
Results showed a significant increase in the number of patients receiving appropriate investigation, treatment and referral from 12.82 per cent to 84.21 per cent. Other beneficial outcomes included a shortened time between ED assessment and clinic follow up with 92 per cent of patients seen in three days or less and a reported reduction in stress experienced due to ‘anti-clot’ treatment and high rates of satisfaction. Fewer patients also experienced complications of treatment prior to follow up.
