AHRQ Releases Updated Guide To Help Clinicians Prevent Blood Clots

An updated resource from AHRQ, “Preventing Hospital-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: A Guide for Effective Quality Improvement,” offers step-by-step guidance to clinicians on how to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Originally published in 2008, the updated guide includes new and improved metrics for tracking the adequacy of VTE prophylaxis, increased use of electronic health records, more examples of tools, and lessons learned while detailing how to start, implement, evaluate and sustain a VTE prevention strategy. VTE is a term that describes blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, arms or pelvis (also known as deep vein thrombosis), as well as pulmonary embolism, which occurs when clots dislodge and travel to the lung. To order copies of the guide at no cost, email the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse, AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov, or call 800-358-9295. In addition, check out English or Spanish versions of AHRQ’s patient education brochure and video on the proper use of blood thinners.