Compliance with Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Documentation and Prescribing Guidelines: A Clinical Audit at University Hospital Kerry

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend systematic risk assessment and appropriate thromboprophylaxis to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired thrombosis.

Objective: To evaluate compliance with thromboprophylaxis documentation and prescribing practices according to local Kardex guidelines at University Hospital Kerry.

Method: A retrospective clinical audit was conducted reviewing 60 inpatient Kardex records from medical and surgical wards at University Hospital Kerry between February and March 2026. Data collected included documentation of VTE risk assessment, indication for pharmacological prophylaxis, bleeding risk assessment, dosing appropriateness of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), documentation of patient weight, renal function review, timing and duration of prophylaxis, and use of mechanical prophylaxis when anticoagulation was contraindicated.

Results: were compared against predefined audit standards of ≥90%. Results: Sixty patient records were reviewed. VTE risk assessment was documented in 50% of patients. Appropriate pharmacological prophylaxis was prescribed in 50% of cases. Bleeding risk assessment was documented in 60% of patients. Standard LMWH dosing was observed in 30% of cases, with appropriate dose adjustment in 20%. Patient weight was not documented in 55% of records, and renal function review was documented in 45%. Timing and duration of prophylaxis were documented in only 3% of cases. Mechanical prophylaxis was prescribed in 10% of patients where anticoagulation was contraindicated.

Conclusion: Significant gaps were identified in thromboprophylaxis documentation and prescribing practices at University Hospital Kerry. Targeted educational interventions, standardized documentation processes, and electronic prescribing prompts may improve compliance and enhance patient safety.