Application of lower limb markers and wristbands for deep vein thrombosis to reduce incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: A cohort study

Abstract Objective To improve communication and patients' safety in the intensive care unit (ICU), we studied the value of applying skin markers and wristbands for ICU patients with evidence of lower‐extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) found on ultrasound screening within 24 h of ICU admission. Methods This was a single‐center study over one year. In the first six months, we applied the standard of care to our patients (control group) and compared them with the intervention group where we introduced skin markers and wristbands for DVT. The primary outcome was the occurrence of pulmonary embolism (PE). We also monitored patients' and families' satisfaction. Results A total of 1231 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period and 96 of them were included in the study (7.8%) for being positive for DVT. Patients were equally divided into two study periods ( n = 48 each) and had no differences in demographics, severity scores and hospital length of stay. The occurrence of PE was identical (6.25% in each group; p = 1.00). Satisfaction was higher in the intervention group (very satisfied 89.6% vs. 60.4% in controls; p = 0.001). Conclusion Application of skin markers and wristbands to ICU patients positive for DVT upon admission did not reduce the occurrence of PE but improved the satisfaction of patients and families.