Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction of a pharmacist-managed, emergency department-based outpatient treatment program for venous thromboembolic disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction outcomes of our pharmacist-managed, emergency department (ED)-based outpatient treatment program for venous thromboembolism (VTE) disease.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of all patients who were enrolled in the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) outpatient VTE treatment program over a 7-year period (1999-2006). Efficacy outcomes include recurrent VTE events at 3 and 6 months following discharge from the program. Safety evaluation included major and minor bleeding complications and the development of thrombocytopenia during the acute phase of therapy. Patient satisfaction was assessed using an 18-question patient satisfaction survey, which was mailed to all patients following discharge from the program.
RESULTS: Overall, 305 patients were included in the study. Of the 260 evaluable patients, 2 patients (0.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2-2.7) experienced a recurrent VTE at 3 months and 5 patients (1.9%, 95% CI 0.8-4.4) had a recurrence at 6 months. One patient (0.3%, 95% CI 0.1-1.8) experienced a major bleeding complication. Seven patients (2.3%, 95% CI 1.1-4.7) experienced a minor bleeding complication and no patient developed thrombocytopenia. Overall, 96.1% were comfortable having their condition treated as an outpatient and 85.7% felt it was more convenient to return to hospital daily for medications and assessment than to be admitted to hospital. Finally, 96.9% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment they received in the outpatient program, and 96.1% would enroll again if future treatment was indicated.
CONCLUSION: Our pharmacist-managed, ED-based outpatient treatment program for VTE disease is safe, effective and achieves a high level of patient satisfaction.