Ferris State University
Nursing Research
Presented by:
Rebecca Enright, Jiali Luc, Jenny Parish, Ashley Weststrate
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To analyze current literature related to the
prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
◦ Review of literature on evidence based practice
using heparin based products along with early
ambulation
◦ Review of literature of evidence based practice with
early ambulation alone
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DVT’s and pulmonary embolisms (PE) are the
most common complications in hospitalized
patients in the United States.
Between 60,000 and 100,000 patients die
each year because of a DVT or PE
(Van Wicklin, 2011)
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Nurses play an important part in educating
patients and assessment of patients
knowledge
(Le Sage, McGee, & Emed, 2008)
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The authors of this presentation reviewed a total of
11 research articles relating to the proposed
question
All 11 articles were critiqued based on Ferris State
University NURS 350 research article critique matrix
Of the 11 articles, four studies were chosen that
had the most relevant information, appropriate
methodology, and credible sources
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Authors Brophy, Dougherty, Garrelts, Parish, Rivey,
Stumpf, Taylor & Mathis, conducted a medline data
search to find and review research related to recent
advances in the prevention of DVT’s (2005).
Findings of this article suggest that although
specific anticoagulant regimens have been found to
effectively prevent DVT’s, these prophylactic
measures are underused.
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This article, by Le Sage, McGee, and Emed, followed
a qualitative cross-sectional survey design to
gather evidence about the patients’ awareness and
knowledge of DVT and their perspectives on
pharmacologic agents (2008).
This article address nurses’ role in patient
education and advocacy
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The authors of the article; Pashikanti and Von
Ah (2012), conduct an integrative review and
synthesis of nine empirical studies
Examines what the current and best evidence
shows about nursing interventions of early
ambulation.
Analysis shows improvement of patient
outcome pertaining to early ambulation
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By Sharon Van Wicklin
Discusses nine current practice
recommendations related to DVT prophylaxis
Serves as a guide for nurses to help minimize
patients’ risk through a multidisciplinary
approach
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Effective prevention of DVT’s requires early
assessment of at-risk people
◦ This should be completed early in hospital
admission
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28% of hospitalized medical patients with risk
factors for venous thromboemobolism (VTE)
received appropriate prophylaxis
The article by Brophy et al, clearly states that
DVT prevention is best with an anticoagulant
and something more non-invasive such as
early ambulation if not contraindicated.
(Brophy et al, 2005)
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One article showed that patients were satisfied
with the use of anticoagulants, but less than
pleased with the amount of education on
prophylaxis
Patient education is imperative to helping
patients adhere to prophylaxis regimes and
understanding the importance in DVT prevention.
(LeSage, McGee, & Emed, 2008)
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Nurses are responsible for educating their
patients on risk factors, signs and symptoms and
prevention strategies, and compliance issues.
(Van Wicklin, 2011)
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Another article showed evidence that
anticoagulant therapy, along with early
ambulation, showed improved pain rating and
decreased swelling in the legs.
The study showed that facilities that
implemented early ambulation had more
positive outcomes
(Pashikant & Von Ah, 2012)
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Patient barriers
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Vision
Hearing
Educational background
Readiness for learning
Patients will benefit from education regarding
anticoagulants and other prevention methods
so it is important to define each patients
barriers and address them as seen fit.
(LeSage, McGee, & Emed, 2008)
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Based on the research, the authors feel as though
it is ideal to implement a form of anticoagulant
along with early ambulation if not
contraindicated.
Assessments and screening tools will play an
important role in deciding who is at risk for
DVT’s.
With the help of a multidisciplinary team, the
best suitable prevention plan can be developed
for each individual patient while in the hospital
on an adult medical-surgical unit.
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After careful review of the literature, the
authors of this presentation support the idea
of using anticoagulant therapy along with
early ambulation to best prevent the risk of
thombosis.
Research shows that nursing intervention
such as early ambulation improves patient
outcome
A nurse assessment is important to finding
those at risk for DVT
Brophy, D. F., Dougherty, J. A., Garrelts, J. C., Parish, R. C., Rivey, M. P., Stumpf,
J. L., … & Mathis, A. S. (2005). Venous thromboembolism prevention in
acutely ill nonsurgical patients. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 39(7),
1318-1324. doi:10.1345/aph.1G127
Le Sage, S., McGee, M., & Emed, J. (2008). Knowledge of venous
thromboembolism (VTE) prevention among hospitalized patients. Journal of
Vascular Nursing, 26(4), 109-117.
Pashikanti, L., & Von Ah, D. (2012). Impact of early mobilization protocol on the
medical-surgical inpatient population: an integrated review of literature.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, 26(2),
87-94.
Van Wicklin, S., (2011) Implementing AORN recommended practices for
prevention of deep vein thrombosis, Association of Preoperative registered
nurses journal, 94(5), p 443-454. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2011.07.018