“IT’S GOOD TO TALK” – AN AUDIT OF THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION OF POST-OPERATIVE THROMBOEMBOLIC COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The risk of venous thromboembolism following surgery, with its associated morbidity and mortality, means it forms an important part of informed consent for a surgical procedure. The risk of thrombo embolic complications extends beyond the post-operative hospital stay. Patients suffering such a complication after discharge are generally not re-admitted under the care of the operating surgeon.

A retrospective opening loop audit was undertaken to investigate the communication of post-operative thrombo embolic complications between specialities in a large district general hospital. The operating surgeon was unaware of 87% of cases of pulmonary embolism and 20% of cases of deep vein thrombosis affecting patients in their post-operative period. The inter-specialty communication of post-operative complications is important to maintain a high standard of patient care and allow surgeons to make informed decisions about clinical practice.