8 Leveraging technology to decrease the incidence of pulmonary embolisms & deep vein thrombosis

<h3>Description</h3> The Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) identified a critical need to address the high incidence of hospital-acquired pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), with 16 cases reported in 2019 and an exhaustive study in 2020. The objective was to enhance the timeliness and compliance of DVT prophylaxis across the healthcare facility through advanced data integration and technology. GBMC implemented an integrated approach, utilizing real-time data dashboards within the electronic health record (HER), statistical process controls, and proactive Best Practice Alerts to manage and improve DVT prophylaxis delivery. The implementation led to a significant reduction in venous thromboembolisms, with cases dropping from 16 in 2019 to 4 in 2023. Compliance rates for timely DVT prophylaxis administration also improved from 80% to 97.6% (figure 1). GBMC’s strategic integration of data-driven solutions and proactive provider engagement markedly decreased the incidence of life-threatening thromboembolisms, setting a benchmark for patient safety. This case study highlights the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, suggesting implications for wider adoption across different medical settings to enhance patient safety outcomes.