TY - JOUR TI - Evaluation of an educational campaign to improve adherence to pneumatic compression devices: impact of a quality improvement initiative DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-4h3j-ws22 PY - 2021 AB - Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition associated with significant levels of morbidity, disability, and mortality among hospitalized and ambulatory patients. Given its impact on individuals' health and the costs of treating complications associated with VTE, this preventable condition is now considered a global health concern. Pneumatic compression devices play a critical role in the prevention of VTE. Purpose: The purpose of this 6 -week quality improvement project was to evaluate an educational campaign to improve adherence to pneumatic compression devices by exploring whether the use of a bedside visual cue would impact adherence to the use of pneumatic compression devices. Methods: A bedside sign served as a visual cue for patients to use pneumatic compression devices, and a series of educational in-services on VTE prevention were conducted for nursing staff on a medical surgical unit at an academic medical center. Weekly audits of patient adherence to pneumatic compression devices were done to assess change in adherence over time. Results: Findings showed that staff education combined with the use of visual cues was associated with an increase in patient adherence with pneumatic compression devices. Average compliance to pneumatic compression devices increased from 85% to 89.6% over the 6-week observation period. Implications: The use of visual cues, combined with education is an important intervention in the prevention and management of VTE. KW - Pneumatic compression devices KW - Family Nurse Practitioner LA - English ER -