A newly revised DVT/PE risk assessment form was implemented in the OR region effective June 5 for all postoperative inpatients.

The form is a screening tool based on an evidence-based guideline from the Seventh ACCP Conference 2004 on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy. The tool is intended to help stem the rise of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence rates reported at SHC from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) data, explained Pamela Pilotin, clinical measures quality manager at SHC’s Quality Improvement and Safety Department.

The form offers recommendations for appropriate prophylaxis based on the patient’s risk assessment.

Lowering the incidence rates of DVT and PE is one of SHC’s clinical goals for the current fiscal year.

“The use of a fundamental screening tool can result in fundamental improvements,” Pilotin said.

The safety initiative is led by Richard Whyte, OR medical director, under the sponsorship of Thomas Krummel, chairman of surgery.

For questions, Pilotin may be reached at ppilotin@stanfordmed.org.