VTE prophylaxis in palliative care

Before starting anticoagulant therapy for VTE prophylaxis in patients with palliative care needs, consider the likelihood of VTE development, the burden of treatment and the patient’s prognosis, goals of care and preferencesNoble, 2019.

VTE prophylaxis is generally not recommended for patients in the last weeks of lifeNational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2018 (updated 2019).

If VTE prophylaxis is appropriate, see the Cardiovascular guidelines for more information. Review therapy regularly, especially as the patient’s clinical condition changes.

For additional considerations when starting VTE prophylaxis for patients with active cancer, see the Cardiovascular guidelines.

For information on rationalising anticoagulants, see Rationalising anticoagulants in palliative care.