Prevention of DVT in Older Adults after Surgery Assignment Help
Across the world, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects more than 1 million people resulting to significant mortality and morbidity. The overall increase in aging population has increased the number of DVT cases in the world. In elderly adults above 60 years anticoagulants are more superior to sequential compression devices in preventing DVT clot formation (O) within the first 3 months after surgical operation.
The PICOT Question
Question Components Your Question P – Patient or Population The frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is very high particularly in elderly adults. It occurs when a blood clot forms deep in the lower body and it is associated with both morbidity and mortality. Patients aged 60 years and older following a surgical operation are at increased risk of DVT. I – Intervention; Prognostic Factor; Exposure DVT clot is highly preventable with sequential comprehension devices (SCD). SCD’s are sleeves-like devices that are wrapped around the legs. They are inflated one at a time. They work by imitating walking which enhances blood circulation hence lowering chances of clots formation. C – Comparison This condition can also be prevented by anticoagulants. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are medications that help prevent formation of blood clots in the legs after a surgical procedure. They work by manipulating blood coagulation process thereby inhibiting thrombus formation. O – Outcome When left untreated, DVT is potentially fatal. The aim of sequential comprehension devices (SCD) and anticoagulants will be to lower or reduce chances of clot formation and hence prevent associated morbidity and mortality rates. However, it is unlikely that they will yield the same outcomes or enhance when used at the same time. Comparing their effectiveness is, therefore, paramount in the prevention of DVT clots in the elderly post-surgery. T – Time/Timeframe The desired time for intervention is three months. PICOT question: In elderly adults above 60 years (P), are sequential compression devices (SCDs) (I) compared to anticoagulants (C) more effective in preventing DVT clot formation (O) within the first 3 months after surgical operation?
Type of Question Intervention/Therapy Prognosis/Prediction Diagnosis/Diagnostic Test Etiology Meaning
Search Strategy Development
Primary search term Synonym 1 Synonym 2 P Elderly adults Geriatrics Older patients I Sequential compression devices Intermittent pneumatic compression devices SCDs C Anticoagulants Blood thinners Antithrombotic therapy O Prevention of DVT clot formation Prevention of blood clot Prevention of thrombus