Optimizing the Prevention and
Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism
A continuing medical education activity sponsored by NAMCP and AAMCN.

This activity is an archive of the live session held at the 2010 Spring Managed Care Forum. If you participated in the live activity, you are not eligible for continuing education credits from this archive.

This activity is valid from July 25, 2011 to July 25, 2012
These presentations require Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Netscape Navigator 7.0 or later, or Internet Explorer 5.2.2 for Mac.  To Download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Microsoft web site, click here.

Audience: This activity is intended for healthcare professionals practicing in managed care environments.

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Eisai, Inc.
 
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION

 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR POST TEST AND EVALUATION

Instructions for CME/CEU: Read the article, answer the post test, complete the evaluation form, and hit submit. A score of 70% must be achieved on the post test to receive continuing education credits. You will have the option on the post test/evaluation page to submit your forms electronically or you can fax them to Katie Eads at 804-747-5316.

Description
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop deep in the veins (most often within the legs or pelvic area). Once those clots have developed, if a breakage occurs and becomes loose (embolus) the clot travels through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery (within the lungs), obstructing blood flow. This blockage is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and together, DVT and PE are known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), a condition which can onset suddenly and is potentially fatal. Deep Vein Thrombosis alone occurs in about 2 million Americans each year, accounting for up to 600,000 DVT hospitalizations. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths per year, with majority of those occurring from the onset of DVT. Together, Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in about 600,000 cases per year, with a large portion of those cases being diagnosed upon conclusion of an autopsy.

The key to preventing DVT, PE and ultimately VTE is early recognition and diagnosis, along with correct prophylaxis and treatment by physicians and nurses. Not only must higher risk patients adhere to taking preventative actions, but with the high incidents VTE developing from long hospitalizations and/or following a major surgery, hospitals must also administer and educate patients on preventative steps to take for reducing VTE risk. Yet, according to a U.S. multi-center study, 58% of patients who developed DVT while in the hospital did not receive any type of preventative treatment, regardless of the presence of multiple risk factors. For those untreated patients that develop a Pulmonary Embolism, about 26% will result in death, yet fatal PE is one of the most preventable cause of hospitals deaths throughout the United States. With those thoughts in mind, it is critical that medical directors, practicing physicians and nurses are updated and educated about the correct diagnosis and prophylaxis of DVT/VTE.


Upon Completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the main factors contributing to the onset of DVT and PE (together known as VTE)

  • Describe treatment options available for the prophylaxis of DVT/VTE

  • Review the latest guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), particularly with regard to the strategy of inpatients and outpatients at hospitals

  • Recognize risk factors such as age and medical history in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE)

  • List the clinical benefits associated with DVT/VTE prophylaxis

Faculty: Kenneth A. Bauer, MD
Harvard Medical School

Disclosure:

 Dr. Bauer serves as a consultant to Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson.
  Planning Committee:
 Bill Williams, MD has no real or perceived financial relationships to disclose.
 Katie Eads has no real or perceived financial relationships to disclose.
NAMCP and/or the presenter has copyright or has received permissions for use of materials provided in this activity.

Accreditation & Designation
The National Association of Managed Care Physicians (NAMCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.

NAMCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category I creditsTM. Each physician should claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The American Association of Managed Care Nurses (AAMCN) has been approved as a provider of continuing education by the Virginia Nurses Association (VNA). VNA is accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Nurses who complete this activity will be awarded 1.0 contact hours.

This activity has been approved by the American Board of Managed Care Nursing for 1.0 contact hours toward CMCN recertification requirements.
   

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Eisai, Inc.
 

NAMCP and or this website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NAMCP does not endorse or imply endorsement of the content on any linked website. This website is to be used as an informational resource. With any health related concern, consult with your physician or healthcare professional.