Virtual risk assessment pathway for deep venous thrombosis: a preliminary model.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has necessitated the reduction in conventional face-to-face patient consultation to reduce the risk of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Traditional pathways to risk assess for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) would involve face-to-face assessment to formulate an appropriate management plan following an initial presentation usually in secondary care or in-hospital settings. Appropriate antithrombotic measures can prevent complication of DVT such as pulmonary embolism with prompt early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This observational, pilot study evaluates the possibility of combining telemedicine technology and a virtual examination pathway for remote triage and assessment of patients with suspected DVT. RESULTS: Piloting and development of a virtual risk assessment pathway for DVT involves various challenges and multidisciplinary co-ordination. CONCLUSION: Advances in telecommunication technology can enable clinicians, specialist nurses and hospital departments to develop a virtual examination pathway for remote triage and assessment of patients with suspected DVT. This pathway is not a replacement for conventional 'face-to-face' evaluation, but we believe the template can be explored and refined to act as a blueprint for future applications even when the pandemic has stabilised.