AB087. SOH22ABS220. Decreasing postoperative venous thromboembolic risk by improving patient understanding of their prophylactic regimen: a pilot study of patient information video in an Irish population

Background: Direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be used as prophylaxis to minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) following orthopaedic surgery. Poor compliance with prophylactic regimen increases risk of developing DVT and PE postoperatively. Improved understanding of medications increases compliance.

Methods: Thirty patients were randomised to receive information about their new DOAC medication either via patient information leaflet (PIL) or via patient information video (PIV) and PIL. Knowledge of their new DOAC medication was tested at 3 time points: before receiving information, directly after receiving information and 1 week after receiving information. Knowledge was tested using the validated Anticoagulant Knowledge Tool (AKT). Patients were also asked to give feedback on each method of information provision.

Results: Mean knowledge score prior to receiving information either by PIL or PIV was 7.66±4.1 (SD), mean knowledge score following intervention was 17.8±2.8 (SD), with a maximum possible score of 25. There was no significant difference between knowledge scores pre, immediately post or 1 week-post intervention between the PIL and PIV groups. Patient feedback on the PIV was resoundingly positive.

Conclusions: Providing patients with information about their new DOAC significantly improved knowledge of their new medication. This study was limited by a small sample size. A larger sample may show statistical differences between interventions. Patient reaction to the PIV was resoundingly positive. Delivering information in different modalities will likely improve patient understanding of new medications and increase compliance.

Keywords: Patient education; venous thromboembolism; prophylaxis; direct acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC); video