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Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, causing swelling and pain. Venous thrombosis most commonly occurs in the 'deep veins' in the legs, thighs, or pelvis. This is known as a deep vein thrombosis. An embolism is created if a part or all of the blood clot in the deep vein breaks off from the site where it is created and travels through the venous system. If the clot lodges in the lung a very serious condition, pulmonary embolism (PE), arises. Venous thrombosis can form in any part of the venous system. However, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE are the most common manifestations of venous thrombosis. DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
What's new
25 June 2009: New e-learning for Healthcare resource - e-VTE launched
It is estimated that there are around 25,000 deaths from Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) a year in hospitals in England. To raise awareness and reduce the impact of VTE on people's lives, Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, launched a new VTE e-learning tool at a specially convened a VTE summit on 25 June 2009.
e-VTE is an e-learning resource for Venous Thromboembolism developed by the Chief Medical Officer’s VTE Implementation Working Group (IWG) in partnership with e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH).
Available to anyone with an interest in VTE prevention, e-VTE is written and reviewed by senior practitioners and enables clinicians to take appropriate action in assessing the risk of VTE for an individual and then advise appropriate preventative measures. e-VTE also explores the challenges and opportunities to prevent VTE in primary care. The e-learning will help clinicians with taking appropriate action in assessing the risk of VTE for an individual and advising appropriate preventative measures.
e-VTE consists of four sessions of e-learning with a pre-learning questionnaire and post learning assessment that can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection, both in the UK and abroad.
VTE prevention – a patient safety priority: summit resource
This is the resource document issued at the Leadership Summit: Venous thromboembolism in the NHS, convened by the Chief Medical Officer and the All-Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group.
Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalised Patients Expert Working Group
Following the publication in July 2005 of the Government's response to the Health Committee's report on the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Hospitalised Patients, Ministers set up an independent expert working group to develop a national strategy on the prevention and treatment of VTE. This expert group looked at the existing guidance, considered the work already being done, such as experiences of the existing thrombosis committees in England and recommended what action can be taken immediately and over the medium and long term. The Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalised Patients Expert Working Group was asked by the Government to consider how current best practice and guidance on the prevention of VTE in hospitalised patients can be promoted and implemented, and what resources might be needed to support delivery of any strategy through existing structures. The Group submitted its report and recommendations to the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson. The report was published in April 2007.
The VTE Implementation Working Group (VTE IWG)
The core elements of a National VTE Risk Assessment have been developed by the IWG in close consultation with key partners and stakeholders. With funding from Connecting for Health the risk assessment will be subject to consensus development which will ensure validation by mid 2009.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs.
Venous thromboembolism key documents
Key documents and guidance on venous thromboembolism.
Venous thromboembolism useful links
Links to organisations that provide information and advice on venous thromboembolism.
Additional links
Contact us
Contact details for the VTE policy team at the Department of Health
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