A Process Improvement Evaluation of Sequential Compression Device Compliance and Effects of Provider Intervention

This process improvement study sought to evaluate the compliance in orthopaedic patients with sequential compression devices and to monitor any improvement in compliance following an educational intervention. All non–intensive care unit orthopaedic primary patients were evaluated at random times and their compliance with sequential compression devices was monitored and recorded. Following a 2-week period of data collection, an educational flyer was displayed in every patient’s room and nursing staff held an in-service training event focusing on the importance of sequential compression device use in the surgical patient. Patients were then monitored, again at random, and compliance was recorded. With the addition of a simple flyer and a single in-service on the importance of mechanical compression in the surgical patient, a significant improvement in compliance was documented at the authors’ institution from 28% to 59% (p < .0001). (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 26(2):94–97, 2017) Key words: compliance; mechanical prophylaxis, venous thromboembolism