Evaluation of a Brief Educational Intervention in Enhancing Venous Thromboembolism Knowledge Among Surgical Patients and Health-Care Providers: A Prospective Study

GuangMing Tan,1,2 Hon Chi Yip,3 Ho Yin Siu,4 Alan Yong Yao,4 Bryan Ping Yen Yan1,2 1Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China; 2Li Ka Shing Institutes of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China; 4Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: GuangMing Tan, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Tel +852 55699658, Email [email protected]: No study has systematically evaluated the impact of education on improving venous thromboembolism (VTE) knowledge in surgical patients despite its significance. This study a assessed the baseline VTE knowledge among patients undergoing major surgery and their healthcare providers (HCPs), and evaluated the impact of educational materials on knowledge and acceptance of VTE prophylaxis.Patients and Methods: In this prospective, single-center, non-randomized controlled trial, VTE knowledge in surgical patients was measured using a validated questionnaire. Two sets of materials including questionnaire and educational videos were developed: Set A for patients and Set B for HCPs. The intervention was a 2‑minute educational video. VTE knowledge was initially assessed in the control group. Four weeks later, a separate group of patients (intervention group) and HCPs completed the questionnaire, before and immediately after the intervention. The primary outcome was post‑intervention knowledge difference between control and intervention patients. Secondary outcomes included pre‑/post‑intervention knowledge change in HCPs, VTE prophylaxis use, patient satisfaction, and VTE occurrence.Results: 200 patients (100 in the control group and 100 in the intervention group) and 17 HCPs participated in the study. Patients had limited knowledge of VTE at baseline (29.4% and 29.6% in the respective groups), whereas HCPs had scores of 73.5%. After the intervention, the patients’ knowledge significantly improved to 46.1%, while HCPs scores showed no notable increase. VTE prophylaxis compliance was 42.5% and was similar in both groups, with no VTE occurrence reported. Patient satisfaction with prophylaxis improved significantly in the intervention group from 67% to 93%.Conclusion: Patients undergoing major surgery exhibited a low baseline knowledge of VTE, highlighting the need for targeted education. A brief, structured educational intervention effectively improved awareness and patient satisfaction, supporting the integration of targeted education into perioperative care.Plain Language Summary: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious condition; however, many surgical patients lack knowledge regarding its risks and prevention. A prospective single-centre trial involving 200 surgical patients (100 in the control group and 100 in the intervention group) and 17 healthcare providers (HCPs) was conducted. Patients completed a validated questionnaire to assess their VTE knowledge. The intervention group watched a brief, 2-minute educational video before completing the questionnaire. HCPs also participated in the study to evaluate the changes in their understanding of VTE. Before the intervention, the patients demonstrated limited awareness of VTE, scoring approximately 29.5% on the questionnaire. After receiving the educational materials, their knowledge improved significantly to 46.1%. The HCPs, who initially scored 73.5%, showed no significant post-intervention changes. Despite increased awareness, compliance with VTE preventive measures remained similar between patient groups, and no VTE cases were reported during the study period. Patient satisfaction with VTE prevention strategies was significantly increased in the intervention group, rising to 93%. These findings highlight the importance of structured education for surgical patients, showing that simple educational tools such as videos can improve understanding and satisfaction. However, further efforts are needed to ensure that increased knowledge translates into higher compliance with preventive measures, ultimately reducing the risk of VTE.Keywords: post-operative thromboprophylaxis, patient knowledge, VTE education