Survey of venous thromboembolism incidence in mental health services for older people : survey of in-patient units

Van Zyl, M.; Wieczorek, G.; Reilly, J.G.

doi:10.1192/pb.bp.112.041848

Survey of venous thromboembolism incidence in mental health services for older people : survey of in-patient units

Van Zyl, M.; Wieczorek, G.; Reilly, J.G.

Authors

M. Van Zyl

G. Wieczorek

J.G. Reilly

Abstract

Aims and method: To establish the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in mental health services for older people (MHSOP) in-patient units, and investigate current practice in terms of assessment of risk of VTE and treatment given. We conducted an incidence survey of VTE on in-patient units in MHSOP in a National Health Service trust, searching data of in-patients discharged over a 2-year period. Results: Overall, 1495 individual patient records were searched. There were 17 confirmed VTEs, which is comparable with VTE incidence rates in general hospitals. There were no risk assessments done on admission and no thromboprophylaxis given. Use of compression stockings and mobilisation was limited. Clinical implications: The study confirmed a significant VTE incidence and the need for increased awareness among MHSOP staff. This can be met by improved training of VTE awareness and management for clinical staff and the use of a VTE assessment tool on MHSOP in-patient units.

Citation

Van Zyl, M., Wieczorek, G., & Reilly, J. (2013). Survey of venous thromboembolism incidence in mental health services for older people : survey of in-patient units. The psychiatrist, 37, 283-285. https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.112.041848

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Sep 1, 2013
Deposit Date	Jul 8, 2013
Publicly Available Date	Jan 28, 2014
Journal	Psychiatrist
Print ISSN	1758-3209
Electronic ISSN	1758-3217
Publisher	Royal College of Psychiatrists
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	37
Pages	283-285
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.112.041848

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This is an author-produced electronic version of an article accepted for publication in The Psychiatrist. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at http://pb.rcpsych.org.