Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes Regarding Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: A Survey of Clinicians at a Tertiary Hospital of China

Background

In this study, we sought to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among clinicians at a tertiary hospital of China.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was sent to clinicians to gather information regarding demographic data (5 items), knowledge about VTE prophylaxis (21 items), behaviors regarding VTE prophylaxis (8 items), and attitudes regarding VTE prophylaxis (7 items). Answers of “strongly agree” and “agree” on the behaviors and attitude items were defined as affirmative responses. Clinicians were also asked to provide suggestions regarding VTE prophylaxis.

Results

A total of 867 clinicians were included in this study. The overall correct response rate for knowledge items was 60.9%. The median affirmative response rate for behavior items was 48.6% (range 29.5–80.3%), and the median affirmative response rate for attitude items was 98.7% (range 96.9–99.3%). Clinicians were most concerned about the adverse effects triggered by chemical VTE prophylaxis (79.5%) and possibility of a financial penalty when a patient could not be treated with VTE prophylaxis (72.3%). Low patient compliance and low level of clinician knowledge and participation were identified most commonly as difficulties involved in VTE prophylaxis. A total of 78 suggestions were collected; these suggestions generally focused on improving the quality and frequency of staff training (n = 24) and enhancing learning opportunities (n = 22).

Conclusions

Although the clinicians’ overall attitude toward VTE prophylaxis was positive, the knowledge level was relatively poor, and the rate of affirmative responses regarding behaviors was low. Medical institutions should improve clinician training regarding VTE prophylaxis.

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, is a major public health problem in China.^1,2 VTE has been recognized as a complication in many medical and surgical conditions,^3,4 and studies have reported a high rate of death caused by VTE in hospitalized patients.^1,2 However, VTE is considered a reasonably preventable disease as long as optimal prophylactic strategies are employed.¹ To this end, clinicians play a key role in assessing the risk of VTE and providing appropriate prophylactic measures to patients who are at risk.^2,5

Despite the importance of clinician involvement in VTE prophylaxis, little research has been performed regarding the extent to which clinicians are prepared to assess and prevent VTE in clinical settings.^6,7 In this study, we therefore sought to investigate the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes regarding VTE prophylaxis among clinicians at a tertiary hospital in China.