An impact evaluation of an education bundle for patients at risk of developing venous thromboembolism.

Aim: Among hospitalized patients, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. This study analyzed the effects of a large-scale adoption of a prompt response and education protocol to increase VTE prophylaxis adherence in the USA. Methods: A Markov model was developed that simulates outcomes and costs of delivering a VTE education bundle versus not, to hospitalized at-risk patients. Results: The education bundle could avert more than 134,000 VTEs, 552,000 hospital days and 19,000 deaths over 5 years. Patients could save 13 million hours in work absenteeism and travel time, valued at US$237 million. Total societal savings could amount to US$2.8 billion. In scenario analyses with assumed lower-effectiveness estimates, the bundle averts 16,000 VTEs, 67,000 hospital days and 2000 deaths. Conclusion: A nationwide rollout of an education bundle to reduce missed doses of prescribed prophylaxis could improve quality of care, resulting in a decline in VTEs and mortality.