What is the most effective intervention for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients?

The most effective intervention for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients is the use of prophylactic anticoagulation therapy. This method directly targets the coagulation process, reducing the risk of clot formation in patients who are often immobile due to illness or surgical procedures. Anticoagulants such as heparin or low molecular weight heparins work by inhibiting specific factors in the clotting cascade, thereby preventing the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE).

While repositioning patients every two hours, encouraging ambulation, and applying warm compresses can contribute to overall patient care and may aid in circulation, they do not provide the same level of risk reduction as prophylactic anticoagulation. Repositioning and ambulation help promote venous return and reduce stasis, yet they may not be sufficient alone, especially for high-risk patients. Warm compresses do not have a significant role in VTE prevention and are more commonly used for pain relief or inflammation rather than addressing the underlying risk factors for clot formation.

Therefore, in a clinical setting, implementing prophylactic anticoagulation is a cornerstone strategy for preventing VTE, especially in patients who have other risk factors or