Venous thromboembolism and embolism

This factsheet aims to refresh your knowledge of pulmonary embolism (PE) and provide you with links to appropriate further resources. It covers the definitions and risk factors for PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the prevalence and incidence of PE and DVT; as well as causes, complications and management of PE and DVT.

The aim of this piece of learning is to support you to become more confident with biochemistry results and managing medicines in relation to those results. We have a series of case studies on different topics to help put your learning into practice.

This case study forms part of the Biochemistry learning gateway. On this learning gateway page, you will find a range of learning resources which aim to increase your knowledge, skills, and confidence in relation to biochemistry.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

• list the relevant blood results you would review when you identify a person at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• recognise how pharmacy professionals can support people to make choices about different types of anticoagulation treatment.

The prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalised patients is a top clinical priority in the NHS. These sessions have been developed in partnership with the National VTE Prevention Programme which provides a comprehensive, integrated and financially incentivised approach to prevent VTE.

This clinical knowledge summary provides information needed for an understanding of the diagnosis and management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), while providing background information and practical tips for prescribing anticoagulants.

This clinical knowledge summary provides information needed for an understanding of the diagnosis and management pulmonary embolism (PE), whilst providing background information and practical tips for prescribing anticoagulants.

This NICE guideline includes a collection of recommendations regarding diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs). It includes a 3-page visual summary of the guidance.

These series of quality standards by NICE describe the high-quality care priorities and areas for improvement in relation to adults with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

This NICE pathway is an overview of the topic and may be useful if you would like to know more about strategies to reduce venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in people who are in hospital. It also offers strategies to ensure people have the best experience of NHS services, such as tailoring healthcare services for each person, by knowing them as an individual and ensuring continuity of care and relationships upon discharge.

This is a guideline designed to inform healthcare professionals on all aspects of the use of warfarin. It details the appropriate use, and how to manage warfarin for people preparing for, and recovering from, surgical and dental procedures.

This tool can help you gauge how likely a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is for someone who is in hospital with suspected DVT.

This resource provides some information about idarucizumab (the reversal agent for dabigatran). This is a useful resource for your practice, as some people will be concerned about the lack of an antidote for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), like there are for warfarin (vitamin K).

This resource provides some information about andexanet alfa (the reversal agent for apixaban and rivaroxaban).

This is a useful resource for your practice, as some people will be concerned about the lack of an antidote for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), like there are for warfarin (vitamin K).

The discussion around the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in obesity is relevant for pharmacy professionals, as both healthcare professionals, and service users, may enquire about the effectiveness of DOACs versus warfarin - particularly in obesity.