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Care home residents have venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk profiles similar to medical inpatients; however, the epidemiology of VTE in care homes is unclear.To determine the incidence of VTE in care homes.Observational cohort study of 45 care homes in Birmingham and Oxford, UK.A consecutive sample of care home residents was enrolled and followed up for 12 months. Data were collected via case note reviews of care home and GP records; mortality information was supplemented with Health and Social Care Information Centre (now called NHS Digital) cause of death data. All potential VTE events were adjudicated by an independent committee according to three measures of diagnostic certainty: definite VTE (radiological evidence), probable VTE (high clinical indication but no radiological evidence), or possible VTE (VTE cannot be ruled out). (Study registration number: ISTCTN80889792.) RESULTS: There were 1011 participants enrolled, and the mean follow-up period was 312 days (standard deviation 98 days). The incidence rate was 0.71 per 100 person years of observation (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 to 1.54) for definite VTE, 0.83 per 100 person years (95% CI = 0.33 to 1.70) for definite and probable VTE, and 2.48 per 100 person years (95% CI = 1.53 to 3.79) for definite, probable, and possible VTE.The incidence of VTE in care homes in this study (0.71-2.48 per 100 person years) is substantial compared with that in the community (0.117 per 100 person years) and in people aged ≥70 years (0.44 per 100 person years). Further research regarding risk stratification and VTE prophylaxis in this population is needed.

Original publication

DOI

10.3399/bjgp17x688873

Type

Journal article

Journal

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Publication Date

02/2017

Volume

67

Pages

e130 - e137

Addresses

Primary Care Clinical Sciences, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham.

Keywords

Humans, Anticoagulants, Long-Term Care, Incidence, Risk Factors, Follow-Up Studies, Prospective Studies, Comorbidity, Primary Prevention, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Nursing Homes, Female, Male, Stockings, Compression, Venous Thromboembolism