STOPDVTs: Development and testing of a clinical assessment tool to guide nursing assessment of postoperative patients for Deep Vein Thrombosis.

This study identified a possible risk to patient safety related to under-recognition of the signs and symptoms of possible Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in postoperative orthopaedic patients. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of developing and implementing a protocol for consistent screening by nurses for possible DVT in the postoperative period.