Abstract
Introduction . DVT is a common complication post stroke. Clinically evident DVT can occur in 2-10% after an acute stroke. DVT can develop as early as Day 2 after acute stroke; Risk peaks between Days 2 and 7. Untreated proximal DVT has a 6-15% mortality risk. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of the legs is recommended to reduce the risk of DVT in non-ambulatory stroke patients. Methods Criteria = All new stroke admissions to Stroke ward should have IPC applied by the time they were seen by the consultant on the post-take ward round – Unless contraindicated. Initial Audit = 100 admissions from June-July 2024. Intervention = Posters placed in doctors' offices and nursing bases (three locations) to remind both nursing and medical staff to prescribe and apply IPC on time. Post-intervention Audit = 100 admissions from August-September 2024. Results Initial Audit = 21.6% of patients did not have their IPC applied on time. Post- intervention audit = 18.1% of patients did not have IPC applied on time, reflecting a 3.5% improvement. Patients not receiving IPC by Post-take ward round reduced by 3.5% post-intervention. The reduction was mainly due to more timely IPC prescriptions by medical staff (improved by 5.9%) but compliance in IPC application by nursing staff worsened (by 2.2%). Conclusion The intervention successfully improved timely IPC prescription rates but did not fully address the delay in application by nursing staff. Targeted reminders can improve compliance, but additional strategies may be necessary for sustainability. Second cycle being planned to include: More targeted posters. Larger pool of patients to be audited (150). Request for ideas for interventions from nursing staff/resident doctors. Data will be collected on incidence of VTE in affected patient group.