Role of Physical Therapists in the Management of Individuals at Risk for or Diagnosed With Venous Thromboembolism: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline 2022

Authors

Ellen Hillegass, Mercer University
Kathleen M. Lukaszewicz, Marquette UniversityFollow
Michael Puthoff, St. Ambrose University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2022

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Source Publication

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal (PTJ)

Source ISSN

0031-9023

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzac057

Abstract

No matter the practice setting, physical therapists work with patients who are at risk for or who have a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In 2016, the first clinical practice guideline (CPG) addressing the physical therapist management of VTE was published with support by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy and Academy of Acute Care, with a primary focus on lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This CPG is an update of the 2016 CPG and contains the most current evidence available for the management of patients with lower extremity DVT and new key action statements (KAS), including guidance on upper extremity DVT, pulmonary embolism, and special populations. This document will guide physical therapist practice in the prevention of and screening for VTE and in the management of patients who are at risk for or who have been diagnosed with VTE. Through a systematic review of published studies and a structured appraisal process, KAS were written to guide the physical therapist. The evidence supporting each action was rated, and the strength of statement was determined. Clinical practice algorithms based on the KAS were developed that can assist with clinical decision-making. Physical therapists, along with other members of the health care team, should implement these KAS to decrease the incidence of VTE, improve the diagnosis and acute management of VTE, and reduce the long-term complications of VTE.

Comments

Accepted version. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal (PTJ), Vol. 102, No. 8 (August 2022). DOI. © 2022 Oxford University Press. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Hillegass, Ellen; Lukaszewicz, Kathleen M.; and Puthoff, Michael, "Role of Physical Therapists in the Management of Individuals at Risk for or Diagnosed With Venous Thromboembolism: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline 2022" (2022). Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications. 212.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phys_therapy_fac/212