DVT Risk Assessment Tool for Nurses Using Modified Delphi

DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) refers to the blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs. They can be harmful, but a doctor can determine if a person is at the risk of DVT by reviewing the personal history and the current health.

The Delphi Technique is designed to gather input from the participants without the need to have a face to face interaction. The process often helps to find a consensus where there are differing perspectives and views. Delphi technique enables group problem using an iterative process. The process involves the definition of the question, discussion, feedback as well as revisions.

Modified Delphi can apply to a nurse's evaluation of DVT risk assessment to interpret the results and initiate the process of the things it takes to protect formation of formation of more clots. When the analysis reaches a doctor, he might ask to keep a copy for reference in future.

Risk scores might indicate the odds of developing DVT during hospitalization or surgery to treat a severe illness. Regular fliers who travel in a plane for more than 5 hours could also be at a risk of DVT thus an assessment provides feedback that they should take more precautions. Studies show that a score of 0-2 risk factors is an indication that the risk of DVT is small.

How to calculate DVT risk

The value of Modified Delphi in DVT risk assessment is that the tool is a questionnaire that gathers information from the participant by presenting various statement different sections. You feel the applicable statement and enter the number of points that show for each checked comment at the provided space. Adding all the points at the end will show the total DVT risk score for sharing with a healthcare professional.

Example of DVT Risk Assessment statement

Add 5 points for the statements that apply.

Add 2 points each for the applicable statements

Add 1 point for each applicable statement

The connection between DVT risk assessment tools and Modified Delphi

The format of DVT risk assessment makes it simple to use with Modified Delphi because it involves several rounds of filling a questionnaire and compiling the responses. It may take up to five rounds like in the example of risk evaluation above.

A score at the end of filling the different rounds of the questionnaire will show the DVT risk level and enable a healthcare professional to make an informed decision. The general interpretation of scores is:

DVT poses a threat and even hinders recovery of hospitalized patients. Treating compared the minimal cost of preventing its occurrence is costly. DVT risk assessment tool for nurses helps to identify the chances of occurrence early enough to take preventive measures.