Implementing AORN recommended practices for prevention of deep vein thrombosis

One to two people per 1,000 are affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism in the United States each year. AORN published its new “Recommended practices for prevention of deep vein thrombosis” to guide perioperative RNs in establishing organization-wide protocols for DVT prevention. Strategies for successful implementation of the recommended practices include taking a multidisciplinary approach to protocol development, providing education and guidance for performing preoperative patient assessments and administering DVT prophylaxis, and having appropriate resources and the facility's policy and procedure for DVT prevention readily available in the practice setting. Hospital and ambulatory patient scenarios have been included as examples of appropriate execution of the recommended practices.