Ahsin M Bhatti1, Sadia Ahsin2, Babur Salim3, Junaid Mansoor4. 1. Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. ahsinmb@yahoo.com 2. Department of Physiology, Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad. 3. Department of Medicine, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 4. Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is underutilised in Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare providers towards DVT prophylaxis in teaching hospitals in and around Rawalpindi. METHODS: Knowledge, attitude and practices was assessed by a 12-item questionnaire filled-in by healthcare providers in five teaching hospitals. Eleven out of 12 questions were multiple-choice type and one was open ended. RESULTS: One hundred-sixty-nine, out of 200 questionnaires were returned and were analysed. Total 43.2% of the respondents were house-officers. Although 98.8% agreed that DVT prophylaxis is clinically important, but 39.4% actually prescribed it themselves. Out of these, only 10.3% respondents did it routinely. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was the preferred prophylaxis used (36.7%). Most of the respondents underestimated the prevalence and consequences of DVT in hospitalised patients. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and practices of healthcare providers about DVT prophylaxis in hospitalised patients is less than ideal. Hospitals need to develop their own guidelines for DVT prophylaxis.
BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is underutilised in Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare providers towards DVT prophylaxis in teaching hospitals in and around Rawalpindi. METHODS: Knowledge, attitude and practices was assessed by a 12-item questionnaire filled-in by healthcare providers in five teaching hospitals. Eleven out of 12 questions were multiple-choice type and one was open ended. RESULTS: One hundred-sixty-nine, out of 200 questionnaires were returned and were analysed. Total 43.2% of the respondents were house-officers. Although 98.8% agreed that DVT prophylaxis is clinically important, but 39.4% actually prescribed it themselves. Out of these, only 10.3% respondents did it routinely. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was the preferred prophylaxis used (36.7%). Most of the respondents underestimated the prevalence and consequences of DVT in hospitalised patients. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and practices of healthcare providers about DVT prophylaxis in hospitalised patients is less than ideal. Hospitals need to develop their own guidelines for DVT prophylaxis.