"Leaning" the process of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND

Lean principles have been used at Denver Health Medical Center since 2005 to streamline nonclinical processes. Despite allocation of significant resources, particularly the expense of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), to prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), the incidence of postoperative VTE was significantly worse than national benchmarks. VTE risk factors were not consistently assessed, and the prescribing of prophylaxis varied widely. Lean was employed to standardize and implement risk assessment and evidence-based VTE prophylaxis for the institution.

METHODS

In a rapid improvement event, a multidisciplinary group formulated an evidence-based risk assessment tool and clinical practice guideline for VTE prophylaxis, with plans for hospitalwide implementation and monitoring.

RESULTS

The effects were immediate and improved steadily with feedback to clinicians. Within six months, compliance with the standard approached 100%. One year after implementation, the use of LMWH decreased more than 60% below baseline, and the use of sequential compression devices decreased by nearly 30%. With increased use of unfractionated heparin, the cost savings on VTE prophylaxis exceeded $15,000 per month, for a total of $425,000 since implementation. Moreover, the incidence of VTE decreased markedly during the same period. By reducing VTE rates, a total cost savings of $6.2 million was estimated for the past 28 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying Lean to the clinical management of VTE prophylaxis improved compliance with standards and saved the hospital a significant amount of money. This was achieved without compromising clinical outcomes. This experience could be replicated at other institutions.