Venous thromboembolism - management in general practice

The diagnosis, treatment and management of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis are increasingly becoming the responsibility of the general practitioner. Effective treatments exist, as do guidelines for management of hospitalised patients. However, very little research has been done into the implementation of management strategies in community based patients. In 2008, an estimated 15 000-23 000 Australians experienced venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Retrospective studies report mortality rates following VTE of 5-23%, although in symptomatic patients with adequate anticoagulation, mortality is 1-2%.