The audit aims to investigate whether physical health assessment and VTE risk assessment were routinely completed and documented. The results will be used to develop plans around the prevention and management of VTE in inpatients.

An estimated 25000 people in England die from preventable hospital-acquired Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) every year. The recently issued NICE guidelines give a framework for assessment and management of VTE risk. This is a re-audit followed by an initial audit carried out in Sep 2011.

The audit was completed in May 2012 using the electronic patient information system (RiO) and where needed paper notes available on the wards were also reviewed. Data collection focussed on assessing evidence that the physical health proforma has been completed and VTE risk identified.

The sample included 144 adult and 65 older adult inpatients (cross sectional sample in May 2012).

• Completion of physical health assessment is improved (94%) compared to initial audit (92%).

• Where completed, 100% of the physical health assessments were documented.

• Recording of physical health assessment on RiO was improved.

• VTE risk assessment has improved (83%) as compare to the initial audit (79%).

• Physical health assessment completion needs to improve until 100% is achieved.

• After completion, physical health assessment for every patient needs to be recorded on RiO.

• To ensure that VTE risk assessment is completed for every patient on the ward.

• Repeating the audit in 6 months to see if these changes have been implemented.