HELPING PATIENTS TAKE BLOOD THINNERS AFTER LEAVING HOSPITAL. V6.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding and Promoting Adherence to Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Following Hospital Discharge
IRAS ID
363344
Contact name
Gaby Judah
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background
Some patients are prescribed a blood thinner upon hospital discharge such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) tablets to reduce risk of a clot.
Aims
To compare adherence levels to LMWH and DOACs post-discharge and reasons associated with this.
To understand barriers and facilitators to adherence to LMWH and DOACs post-discharge.
To co-design an intervention improving adherence.Design and Methods
Part A: Survey
Patients will be surveyed to measure adherence levels and reasons for this. Our survey will recruit patients from Graduated Compression stocking as an adjunct to Extended duration pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for VTE prevention (GRACE): multi-centre randomised controlled trial, who consented to take part in future research. Survey patients will also be recruited from follow-up clinics or wards at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Surveys will take place online, by telephone or post.
Part B: Interview
Interviews will gain the perspectives of patients, family members/friends supporting them with their medication and healthcare workers on reasons for adherence/non-adherence to blood thinners. Interviews will be online (Zoom or Microsoft Teams), in-person or by telephone (Microsoft Teams).
Part C: Workshops/Stakeholder meetings
Workshops with patients and family members/friends supporting them with their medication serve to co-design an intervention helping people take blood thinning medication. Workshops will be online (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) or in-person.
Recruitment for interviews/workshops will be from part A survey and recruitment flyers in outpatient waiting areas, adverts in the discharge medication, VOICE adverts, adverts on social media and patient support groups on social media.
Stakeholder meetings with healthcare professionals will support workshops and will be online (Microsoft Teams) or in-person.
Eligibility
Patients recently discharged from hospital and prescribed a blood thinner for short-term use i.e. LMWH/ DOAC, family/friends and healthcare workers supporting such patients.
Duration
April 2026 till July 2027
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0113
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion