Original Research
Factors Associated With Thromboprophylaxis for Orthopedic Patients and Their Impact on Outcome
Am J Orthop. 2007 April;36(4):193-197
Author and Disclosure Information
James E. Muntz, MD, Paul J. O'Connor, RPh, MBA, Hongjun Yin, PhD, and F. Randy Vogenberg, RPh, PhD
Dr. Muntz is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Dr. O'Connor was Vice President, Aon Consulting, Life Sciences Practice, Providence, Rhode Island, at the time of writing. He is now a vice president with TowersPerrin, Boston, Massachusetts.
Dr. Yin was a doctoral student, Department of Pharmacy Administration, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois at the time of writing. He is now Senior Research Specialist, Institute for Health, Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Vogenberg is Senior Vice President, Aon Consulting, Health & Benefits, Providence, Rhode Island.
We conducted a study to identify the factors affecting inpatient thromboprophylaxis use and to assess the impact of pharmacologic prophylaxis on the incidence of postsurgical venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our ultimate goal was to close the gap in knowledge about the need for thromboprophylaxis, including aspirin use. Although prophylaxis was effective in reducing VTE risk in orthopedic patients, it seemed to be underused at some hospitals, and use of aspirin alone in these patients continues despite guidelines recommending otherwise.