Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Ambulatory Patients With Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially deadly complication in patients with cancer. The risk of cancer-related VTE has risen in the past 2 decades, with up to 15% of patients with cancer now experiencing VTE. Oncology nurses are ideally situated to assist in the identification of patients at risk for thrombotic events. This activity will discuss strategies for early identification of patients receiving outpatient (ambulatory) chemotherapy who are at high risk for VTE, helping the health care team to prescribe prophylaxis in a timely and appropriate manner and ultimately reduce the number of patients who experience VTE during their cancer treatment.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Evaluate the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Assess VTE risk in patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy
Apply current VTE guidelines in the management of patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy