Update information
August 2019: Recommendation 1.12.11 was amended to clarify when anti-embolism stockings can be used for VTE prophylaxis for people with spinal injury.
March 2018: New recommendations were added on risk assessment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reducing the risk of VTE. These recommendations are marked as [2018].
Some changes were made to clarify recommendation wording without an evidence review. These recommendations are marked as [2010, amended 2018].
Recommendations are marked as [2010] when the evidence was last reviewed in 2010.
Minor changes since publication
March 2025: We updated links to relevant technology appraisal guidance in the sections on elective hip replacement and elective knee replacement.
May 2021: Recommendation 1.9.1 was amended to clarify that the Department of Health tool is commonly used to develop a treatment plan.
January 2021: Recommendations 1.1.2 and 1.1 5 were amended to clarify that the Department of Health tool is commonly used to develop a treatment plan.
November 2020: We added links in the sections on acutely ill medical patients and interventions for critical care to the NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline on reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism in over 16s.
December 2019: In recommendation 1.3.5 the British Standards for anti-embolism hosiery were updated because BS 6612 and BS 7672 have been withdrawn.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2871-2