New program helps keep patients safe from blood clots

In a first for WA Health, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) has launched a new Anticoagulation Stewardship Program to help protect patients from serious harm caused by blood clots and bleeding linked to blood-thinning medications.

Coinciding with World Thrombosis Day (13 October), the program will initially focus on the safe and consistent use of blood-thinning medications in hospital, especially for patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening but often preventable condition.

As part of the rollout, a committee has been established for the program while staff in Fiona Stanley Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit are using updated tools to assess patients’ risk of VTE.

The program includes targeted education and staff surveys to support safer prescribing, and a real-time dashboard is also being developed to help clinicians review anticoagulant use each day.

“Blood clots, like VTE, are one of the leading preventable causes of death in hospitals,” said Fiona Stanley Hospital Pharmacist, Ashleigh Lawrence.

“They contribute to around seven per cent of all hospital deaths in Australia.

“That’s a big number, and many of these cases can be avoided.”

More than half of VTE cases happen during a hospital stay, and sadly, one in ten patients who develop a hospital-acquired clot do not survive.

“We want to make sure every patient gets the right care at the right time,” Ashleigh said.

By improving how these medicines are prescribed and monitored, FSFHG aims to contribute to reducing the estimated $1.72 billion annual cost of VTE to the Australian health system.

“This is about putting patients first,” Ashleigh said,

“We’re building a safer, more reliable approach to care that will benefit everyone.”

The new program is a strong step towards making hospitals safer and improving care for patients across Western Australia.

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