Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, and may cause swelling and pain.

Venous thrombosis occurs most commonly in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis; this is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An embolism occurs if all or a part of the clot breaks off from the site where it forms and travels through the venous system. If the clot lodges in the lung a potentially serious and sometimes fatal condition, pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs. Venous thrombosis can occur in any part of the venous system. However, DVT and PE are the commonest manifestations of venous thrombosis. 

Audit reports

VTE Patient Information Audit Report for Surgical Day Unit

Policy 

Patient Information 

Reducing the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) whilst in hospital and following your discharge home

Education 

VTE in Secondary Care 

The prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients is a top clinical priority in the NHS. The National VTE Prevention Programme provides a comprehensive, integrated and financially incentivised approach to prevent VTE.

In this session, you will learn how to assess a patient's risk of VTE and choose a suitable prevention method (thromboprophylaxis), understand the importance of performing root cause analyses of cases of VTE in hospitalised patients, and how to audit each of these steps.

NICE Guidance 

VTE prevention slide and reporting hospital acquired thrombosis

Trust Venous Thromboembolism Group 

The Venous Thromboembolism Group provides strategic oversight of the prevention and management of thromboembolic disorders within the Trust. It also acts to review performance of VTE risk assessment and ensures that learning takes place in response to investigations of VTE incidents. The VTE Group ensures that the Trust VTE policy and guidance for healthcare staff is consistent with national clinical standards set out by the NICE. 

VTE Exemplar Centres 

South Tyneside District Hospital has been accredited as an exemplar centre for its work managing Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Anticoagulation. 

The Exemplar Centre network is a key part of the National VTE Prevention Programme and drives to reduce avoidable harm and improve outcomes for patients. Exemplar sites are selected because they have an existing track record of providing excellent VTE care and prevention and embed this across the organisation in areas such as education, audit and quality control.

We are working on achieving Exemplar status for the whole Trust. 

For more information about the Exemplar network, please visit: http://www.vteengland.org.uk/

Resources 

Policy and Guidance

Patient Information

Audit Reports

Education

Trust VTE Group

VTE Exemplar Centres
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