Systematic review of barriers and facilitators to Venous Thromboembolism clinical practice guideline compliance by healthcare professionals in acute care

To examine compliance with Venous Thromboembolism clinical practice guidelines by health professionals and to identify barriers and facilitators in the acute healthcare setting. Background: Clinical practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism prevention are widely available, however not all patients with identifiable risk factors are receiving appropriate assessment or prophylaxis in the acute care setting. Design: Joanna Briggs Institute comprehensive systematic review methodology was utilised. Data Sources: A comprehensive, three-stage search strategy was conducted across six major databases. Review Methods: Retrieved papers were critically appraised by two independent reviewers prior to inclusion using standardised critical appraisal instruments. Results: Eighteen quantitative and two qualitative studies assessed compliance with venous thromboembolism clinical practice guidelines, and reported on facilitators and barriers to that compliance. Quantitative data was pooled using narrative summary due to heterogeneity of reporting. Qualitative data was aggregated using a process of meta-aggregation to generate synthesised findings based on similarity of meaning. Overall, nine barriers and nine facilitators were identified Conclusion: This systematic review has drawn together quantitative and qualitative data that highlights barriers to compliance and recommends that if an intervention is developed with these in mind they can improve compliance with clinical practice guidelines.Sherryl Gaston, Sarahlouise Whit