Venous thromboembolism in adults

Quality statements

Statement 1 People aged 16 and over who are in hospital and assessed as needing pharmacological venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis start it as soon as possible and within 14 hours of hospital admission. [2010, updated 2021]

Statement 2 People aged 16 and over who are discharged with lower limb immobilisation are assessed to identify their risk of VTE. [new 2021]

Statement 3 People aged 18 and over with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Wells score of 2 points or more have a proximal leg vein ultrasound scan within 4 hours of it being requested. [2013, updated 2021]

Statement 4 People aged 18 and over taking anticoagulation treatment after a VTE have a review at 3 months and then at least once a year if they continue to take it long term. [2013, updated 2021]

Statement 5 People aged 18 and over having outpatient treatment for suspected or confirmed low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) have an agreed plan for monitoring and follow‑up. [new 2021]

In 2021, this quality standard was updated and statements prioritised in 2010 and 2013 were updated [2010 or 2013, updated 2021] or replaced [new 2021]. For more information, see update information.

Statements from the 2010 quality standard for venous thromboembolism in adults: reducing the risk in hospital and the 2013 quality standard for venous thromboembolism in adults: diagnosis and management that are still supported by the evidence may still be useful at a local level. The 2010 and 2013 quality standards are available as PDFs.