Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of venous thromboembolism: a literature review

Aim:
To assess the relative efficacy of the different forms of non-pharmacological prophylaxis in reducing the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in acute hospitalised stroke patients.
Method:
Thematic synthesis of literature retrieved from a structured bibliographic search of: MEDLINE, CINHAL, Summon, British Nursing Index (BNI), NHS Evidence, Internurse.com, PUBMED, Ovid, and Health Information Resources. Citation searching was also undertaken using: Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane trial register, Current Controlled Trials, Stroke Trials Registry and Clinical Trials.
Results: No single intervention was the most effective for VTE prevention. Intermittent pneumatic compression showed a small but statistically significant reduction in rates of venous thromboembolism with less adverse effects such as skin break-down and ulcers.
Conclusions:
More valid and reliable evidence is needed. Clearer and more extensive guidelines are necessary to ensure high quality care for acute stroke patients in order to improve quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.