Simplifying the review of thromboprophylaxis decisions in a palliative care inpatient unit

摘要

We write in response to the article 'Primary thrombo-prophylaxis for hospice inpatients: Who needs it?' by Gillon et al. which highlighted the importance of thrombo-prophylaxis decision-making on admission to a hospice inpatient unit. In our Specialist Palliative Care Unit we have developed a user-friendly reminder tool to facilitate regular review of these decisions. Prophylaxis has been shown to be of importance in palliative care patients. However, their clinical situation can also change rapidly, so equally important is a review process. 2010 NICE guidelines recommend that decisions regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for patients in palliative care are reviewed daily.