Venous Thrombo-embolism (VTE) can be fatal, and therefore forms a key part of the admission risk assessment. NICE guidelines give a framework for assessment and management of VTE risk, and this has recently been introduced to Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

To investigate whether VTE risk is routinely assessed on admission, with the aim of developing plans around the prevention and management of VTE in inpatients.

All in-patients should have a physical health assessment on admission which should be clearly documented within patient notes and should include documentation of VTE risk.

A cross-sectional audit of all adult and older-adult wards in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, September 2011.

The sample included 133 adult inpatients and 77 older-adult inpatients, across 12 wards. The admission physical health assessment was completed for 90% of general adult patients and 92% of older-adult patients. There was excellent documentation of VTE risk, 59% in general adult wards and 99% in older adult wards.

Rates of completion of VTE risk were good, particularly on older adult wards. The vast majority of patients scored as low risk for VTE. Risk assessments were completed separately to the admission physical health assessment and there needs to be greater consistency of documentation within electronic patient records. New guidelines regarding completion of physical health assessment and VTE risk have now been issued within the Trust; re-audit in 6 months will review whether good practice is maintained and that improvements occur where necessary.