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A warm welcome to the inaugural chapter of Pulse-Points! Allow us to quickly introduce ourselves: we're a trio of nurses, working in large teaching hospitals in Ireland… like nursing aficionados, each weaving our magic in the realms of unscheduled care, emergency care, and nursing management… Our connection and friendship has been forged through a deep-rooted passion for nursing and the greater nursing realm and flourished from there.

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The inspiration for this newsletter was sparked from a glaring gap: a lack of a dedicated space for nurses to share information, swap insights, network and create connections, and frankly bask in the brilliance of our fellow nurses' triumphs. Fuelled by this realisation, we're taking the plunge to fill that void. So, thank you to everyone for supporting us and subscribing... Without further ado, let's dive right in

Being in unscheduled care I recently attended VTE Dublin 2023 and last week celebrated World Thrombosis Day on the 13th of October. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical condition that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Although VTE can occur outside the hospital, 60% of all VTE occur in hospital or within 90 days following a hospital admission. This blog discusses the prevention of VTE and the vital role nurses play in safeguarding patients.

What is VTE and Hospital-Acquired VTE?

VTE, as mentioned, encompasses DVT (blood clots in deep veins) and PE (blood clots traveling to the lungs). Hospital-Acquired VTE refers to VTE incidents that occur during or directly following a patient's hospitalisation.

Prevention Strategies:

1. Early Mobilisation: Nurses are at the forefront of encouraging and assisting patients in early mobility, reducing the risk of blood clots associated with immobility.
2. Prophylactic Medications: Depending on a patient's risk factors, nurses administer prophylactic medications such as blood thinners to reduce clot formation and in many hospitals across the country play a vital role in ensuring a patients VTE risk assessment has been completed.
3. Compression Therapy: Nurses play a huge role in ensure the proper use of compression therapy, which can prevent DVT by improving blood flow in the legs.
4. Patient Education: Nurses educate patients about VTE risks and preventive measures. They play a pivotal role in ensuring patients understand and follow prescribed treatments. Nurses can also provide patients with patient alert cards from Thrombosis Ireland which are now available in over 20 languages.
5. Assessment and Monitoring: Regular assessment of patients' risk factors and clinical signs of VTE is essential. Nurses are trained to identify warning signs promptly.

The Nurse's Role:

Nurses are central to VTE prevention in hospitals. They are not only responsible for implementing preventive measures above but also for advocating for their patients' well-being... And let's be honest, nurses are INCREDIBLE advocates! The nurse's role includes:

• Nurse led ANP ambulatory VTE pathways are becoming more and more common in our unscheduled and emergency care areas. Which are incredible in ensuring patients are receiving highest standard of care, education and follow-up care.
• Conducting thorough risk assessments for each patient and completing individualised care plans and preventive strategies.
• Educating patients about VTE, its risks, and the importance of adherence to prescribed interventions. Recognising early signs and symptoms of VTE, such as swelling, pain, or shortness of breath, and promptly reporting them to the medical team. Thrombosis Ireland also have a huge amount of patient information.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
• Monitoring patients for side effects of VTE prophylaxis and making necessary adjustments.
• Documenting all interventions and patient responses accurately for the patient's medical record.

In conclusion, preventing Hospital-Acquired VTE is a crucial aspect of patient safety, and nurses are pivotal in this endeavour. Through education, early intervention, and diligent monitoring, nurses play a significant role in reducing the risk of VTE and ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients.

If you have any questions or anything to add we'd love to hear them so subscribe and comment below or get in touch on replypulsepoints@gmail.com