Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a umbrella term referring to a blood clot which has formed within a vein and includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT are blood clots which most commonly form in the deep veins of the legs or arms. Most PEs originate from blood clots that form in a deep vein in the leg where a part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs.
VTE is a major cause of death and disability in the UK and is the leading cause of maternal death. Latest available data from the Office of National Statistics shows 2,713 deaths related to VTE in England and Wales in 2022. Up to 60% of VTEs result from a hospital acquired thrombosis (HAT), contributing to thousands of hospital deaths in the UK every year. Many such deaths are preventable if patients receive a VTE risk assessment on admission to hospital and are offered appropriate thromboprophylaxis.
A VTE diagnosis can also have a significant long-term impact on the health of an individual, in many cases resulting in lifelong dependency on anticoagulant medication.
Where a VTE has resulted from a breach of duty in care, this also impacts on the NHS Wales financial position as a result of clinical negligence claims. Cases presented to the Welsh Risk Pool Committee include matters where there is a failure to recognise the symptoms of a PE or DVT, failure to complete a VTE risk assessment resulting in thromboprophylaxis being omitted, and delayed or missed diagnosis.