NHS Board Implementation - Management of Deep Vein
Thrombosis
These reports summarise the actions taken by NHS boards to
manage Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Our follow-up report focuses on NHS board's:
- implementation of previously agreed actions
- use of patient information leaflets (including Lifeblood
leaflet).
Contained in these reports
This exercise was undertaken in relation to the 14 tertiary
Boards; this will now be brought to the attention of the National
Waiting Times Centre too.
NHS boards have provided reasonable reassurance that the actions
originally outlined in the May 2008 report have continued to be
implemented and, in some boards, completed.
Some NHS boards are still implementing and we will continue
to encourage progress with this.
Providing patient information
In May 2008:
- 8 NHS boards have developed patient information
leaflets
- 6 NHS boards are developing or considering developing
leaflets.
By December 2008:
- 13 (of 14) NHS boards have widely available patient
information leaflets in hard and electronic format
- 1 NHS board reporting will achieve this
by January 2009.
We can verify that these information leaflets are in line with
the recommended text.
Feedback on the use of the Lifeblood leaflet has been varied.
Some NHS boards are concerned that GP practices do not appear
to have received copies of the leaflet. This matter will be
addressed through Scottish Government Health Directorates.
Responding to Ombudsman recommendations
This work was carried out in response to the Ombudsman¿s
recommendations following the death of a patient in NHS
Lothian from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
NHS boards were advised at that time to have:
- written policies for prevention and management of DVT (based on
SIGN Guideline 36 on the Management of VTE and Guideline 62 on
Prophylaxis of VTE).
- consistent and accessible patient information (based on the
templates developed from those used at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for
patients attending with a suspected DVT).
Published Date: 5 August 2009
