Abstract
Purpose: The purpose was to implement an evidence based guideline on deep venous thrombosis (DVT) for the Emergency Department (ED). Specific aims: a) conduct an organizational assessment of DVT treatment practices b) compare organizational results with evidence based treatment guidelines c) develop recommendations for treatment of DVT for ED discharge d) conduct an interdisciplinary evaluation of the evidence based guideline.|Significance: Patients with DVT often present to the ED and are aged 45-64 with an annual cost of $1.5 to $3.2 billion per year.|Methods: A retrospective review of 149 records in 2010 with adults in an urban Midwestern ED.|Results: Differences in provider practices were identified. A guideline was developed which included clinical management, social/financial concerns, patient education, anticoagulation monitoring and outpatient follow up. Evaluation included simulation exercises with an interdisciplinary team. Implementation and evaluation through electronic and paper communication, medical record monitoring and patient call back.