New York City-based NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi achieved a 53 percent reduction in deep vein blood clot cases in one year by implementing new postsurgical care protocols.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi implemented the protocols in October 2016, which included the following interventions:
- A risk assessment to identify surgery patients at high-risk for clots
- Use of intermittent pneumatic compression device or stockings before and after surgery
- Use of prophylactic drugs, like heparin, to prevent clots
- One-on-one consultations with all at-risk patients to educate them about blood clot risk factors and warning signs
In the first year after implementing the new care protocol, the hospital saw six deep vein blood clot cases, compared to 13 a year prior. In the program's second year, the hospital reported just four cases. Patient safety satisfaction scores also improved 83 percent in the program's first year, according to Press Ganey data.
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