CDC Launches National Hospital-Associated VTE Prevention Challenge

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week announced a new initiative focused on hospital-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) – the theme of this year’s World Thrombosis Day.

The HA-VTE Prevention Challenge seeks to find and recognize U.S.-based hospitals, multi-hospital systems, hospital networks, and managed care organizations that are successfully reducing hospital-associated blood clots.  

• Up to 60 percent of all VTE cases occur during or shortly after a hospital stay.
• Hospitalization a leading risk factor for blood clots and a major patient safety concern.
• In the U.S. and abroad, hospitals must make VTE risk assessment and prevention a priority.

The CDC asks that those with demonstrated success in VTE prevention submit case studies and evidence through the official challenge website. A panel of judges will then evaluate each submission and name a select few National HA-VTE Prevention Champions.

By finding, documenting, and sharing best practices in VTE prevention, the CDC hopes to help other hospitals understand and institute effective VTE policies – ultimately leading to improved patient care and safety.  

Challenge submissions will be accepted from November 2, 2015 until January 10, 2016 and winners will be announced in March 2016.

To read more about the CDC’s challenge, including criteria and the submission rules, visit https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/healthcare-associated-venous-thromboembolism-ha-vte-prevention-challenge/.