As both clinicians and developers of policies regarding the use of thromboprophylaxis, doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) have a substantial impact on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and treatment measures throughout their institutions and practices. Knowledge of perceived risks of thromboprophylaxis treatments may overshadow DOs’ knowledge of their benefits; additionally, the complexity of screening for, administering to, and educating patients with VTE may further discourage clinicians from utilizing these treatments. Improved awareness of the real risks and benefits, particularly of recently developed direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors, could improve physician utilization. There is overwhelming evidence that thromboprophylaxis improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs, but adherence to treatment guidelines remains consistently inadequate. Due to the current failure of hospitals to adequately meet guidelines for preventing and treating patients with VTE, there is a significant need for targeted continuing education to help clinicians identify which patients are at risk for VTE, identify appropriate thromboprophylaxis therapies for at-risk and affected patients, improve the management of patients being treated for VTE or undergoing VTE prophylaxis therapy, and improve practice policies for preventing and treating patients with VTE to bring them in line with national guidelines.
This activity will help clinicians identify patients at risk for VTE, identify appropriate thromboprophylaxis therapies, improve the management of patients being treated for VTE or undergoing VTE prophylaxis therapy, and improve practice policies for preventing and treating patients with VTE using national guidelines.
Primary care clinician including doctors of osteopathic medicine, medical doctors, advanced practice nurses, and physicians’ assistants. No prerequisites required.
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Learners may earn up to 1.5 hours of Category 1-B credit* for their participation. The New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide continuing medical education credits to osteopathic physicians.
The estimated time to complete this activity: 1.5 hours.
Release date: December 20, 2010. Expiration date: December 20, 2012.
Faculty
Bruce Mintz, DO (Moderator) Clinical Associate Professor, Internal Medicine Director, Vascular Technology Training Program University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey Attending, Cardiovascular Medicine Gagnon Heart Hospital Morristown Memorial Hospital Morristown, New Jersey Mark W. Moritz, MD, FACS Clinical Professor of Vascular Surgery University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Past President of the American College of Surgeons, New Jersey Past President of the Vascular Society of New Jersey Vein Institute of New Jersey Morristown, New Jersey
Instructions
Please complete the pre-test, listen to the following presentations, and complete the post-test and evaluation to receive CME credit for this activity.
Supported by an educational grant from Sanofi-Aventis.
