VTE remains a serious and frequently fatal condition. It is the most common preventable cause of hospital death.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationwide approximately 100,000 patients with VTE die each year. Between 30–50 percent of patients who develop lower extremity deep vein thrombosis endure long-term swelling, pain, discoloration, and even ulcers in the affected limb. In addition, between 10–30 percent of patients who survive a first VTE occurrence will likely develop another VTE within five years.
The CDC reports that the costs associated with health care-associated VTE exceed $5 billion each year, and as many as 70 percent of these cases are preventable. The costs savings of reducing VTEs is significant.
The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s VTE project provides tools and support, and facilitates collaboration to help facilities prevent VTEs.