Information and credits

Who is this learning for?

This learning area has been primarily developed for student nurses, registered nurses, registered midwives and health care assistants who may be routinely dealing with patients at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Student and registered nurses will also find this learning opportunity relevant for updating their own awareness of VTE, how it develops and how it can be prevented. Registered nurses and midwives may also wish to use this material to raise the awareness of colleagues for whom they have responsibility.

This learning opportunity is based on the NICE guideline, 'Venous thromboembolism: reducing the risk' and focuses primarily on understanding and preventing VTE, identifying patients at risk and includes an in-depth look at VTE risk assessments.

The RCN wishes to acknowledge and thank the Department of Health's e-Learning for Healthcare for granting permission to reproduce the videos in this learning resource.

Learning outcomes

After completing all the sections in this learning area, the learner should be able to:

understand what the acronym 'VTE' stands for
describe the basic anatomy and physiology of VTE formation
identify at least three kinds of 'typical’ patient at risk of developing VTE
understand when and how, to carry out a VTE risk assessment
explain the difference between 'pharmacological' and 'mechanical' prophylaxis, and when to use which one
describe the key points when fitting patients for anti-embolism stockings
describe the key points when fitting patients for other anti-thromboembolic mechanical devices including intermittent pneumatic compression devices and footpumps
describe the key points when talking to patients/carers about VTE risk and prevention.

Principles of Nursing Practice

The eight Principles of Nursing Practice can be applied to this learning resource however, the principles that feature most predominantly are:

Principle C - being vigilant about risk.
Principle F - having up-to-date knowledge and skills.

These principles provide a useful framework for writing a reflective record of your learning. You may also think of ways you can draw on the remaining principles based on your own clinical experience and observations.

Relevant KSF dimensions

Core dimension 1 - Communication
Core dimension 2 - Personal and People Development
Core dimension 3 - Health Safety and Security
Core dimension 5 - Quality
Health and wellbeing dimension 1 - Promotion of Health and Wellbeing and Prevention of Adverse Effects on Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing dimension 2 - Assessment and Care Planning to Meet Health and Wellbeing Needs
Health and wellbeing dimension 3 - Protection of Health and Wellbeing
General dimension 1 - Learning and Development.

Development Team

This learning area was developed by Marisa McGreevy
The interactions and animations were created by John Heseltine BA(Hons)

Reviewers

Thanks to the following people for their review of the materials in this learning area:

Prof Beverley Hunt, Medical Director - Lifeblood (Thrombosis Charity)
James Tyrrell, Director - Insight Public Affairs in association with Lifeblood (Thrombosis Charity)
Dr Anita Thomas OBE, National Clinical Director VTE, Dept of Health
Timothy Brown, National VTE Programme Lead, Dept of Health
Lynda Bonner, Consultant Nurse, King's College Hospital
Rosie Brown, RN MMid FdA (Bus) PGC (D&OE)
Alan Dobson, RCN Nursing Advisor, Acute Care
Sue Harkness, HCA, St Anthonys Health Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Claire Evans, Student Nurse
Stuart Young, Student Nurse, Student Member of RCN Council
Vivienne Evans, Communication Officer, Royal College of Nursing