| Title: | Audit of the appropriate prescribing of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in a busy Regional Hospital |
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| Author(s): | A.Rafi, HY Li, NKB Abidin, MK Rana, M Muzammil, S Rizvi |
| Institution: | Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | General Respiratory and Sleep |
| Abstract: | Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulants that is frequently prescribed in hospitals. Its various indications include Thromboprophylaxis, treatment of DVT/PE, A.Fib and ACS. This audit aimed to assess whether LMWH is prescribed appropriately in this hospital based on Age, Weight and Creatinine Clearance, and according to HSE LMWH prescribing guidelines. All patients admitted in the surgical and medical wards of Mayo University hospital between 8th-10th June 2020 were included. Their drug charts were reviewed, documented weights collected and their Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) was calculated according to the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Out of 128 patients, 67 (52%) patients were on LMWH. Among them, 94% were on Clexane and 6% were on Innohep. 49 (73.1%) patients were appropriately prescribed LMWH and 18 (26.9%) patients were not. Out of those 18 patients, 10 (55.6%) patients were under prescribed and 8 (44.4%) patients were overprescribed. (7 (38.9%) patients were not prescribed according to weight, 3 (16.7%) patients were not prescribed according to CrCl and the remaining 8 (44.4%) patients were prescribed incorrect dose) These results demonstrate that the majority (73.1%) of patients were prescribed LMWH appropriately. But to achieve maximum compliance and minimise the risk of complications/side effects, on-going education should be provided to NCHDs. Inclusion of the VTE prophylaxis Protocol and specified page for anticoagulation prescription in the hospital’s drug chart would be a useful and safe practice. |
