Venous thromboembolism in ENT surgery: a review of the literature and completed audit cycle of adherence to national guidance.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment of elective ENT patients is essential to minimize the risk of mortality and morbidity. The study is standard-based audit of VTE risk assessment against the ENT UK guidelines and intervention includes instructional poster and departmental presentation. 23 patients on eight operating lists were audited in the first cycle (C1). A total of 27 patients on ten operating lists were re-audited in the second cycle (C2). There were marked improvements in the number of VTE risk assessments completed (C1 = 3/23; C2 = 26/27; p < 0.0001), the number of patients encouraged to mobilize (C1 = 0/23; C2 = 26/27; p < 0.0001), and the number of VTE leaflets provided upon discharge (C1 = 1/23; C2 = 27/27; p < 0.0001) following the intervention. The introduction of a poster and a departmental presentation proved to be simple, cheap, and effective measures to improve adherence of national VTE guidelines.