Pharmacist Involvement in DVT Awareness Month
Did you know that March is DVT Awareness Month?
Did you know that March is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month?
DVT is a serious yet preventable medical condition caused by a blood clot that forms in the veins.1 The most common signs and symptoms are swelling, pain, tenderness, and skin redness at the affected area.
Pharmacists in any practice setting—including community, ambulatory, and emergency—can counsel patients who have had a previous DVT and assess those at risk.
Risk factors for DVT include:2
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Cancer and chemotherapy treatment
- Vein injury
- Family history of DVT
- Genetic clotting disorder
- Knee or hip replacement
- Birth control pills, patch, or ring
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Obesity
Pharmacists can provide patients with tips for preventing DVT, such as exercising and avoiding sitting for long periods of time
Regardless of whether a patient is picking up an anticoagulant or has just been hospitalized for DVT, pharmacists are in the best position to raise awareness and make an impact on their community.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deep vein thrombosis. http://www.cdc.gov/features/deep-vein-thrombosis/index.html. Accessed March 7, 2016.
- National Blood Clot Alliance. Blood clot awareness month 2016. https://www.stoptheclot.org/. Accessed March 7, 2016.
