Adherence to pharmacological thromboprophylaxis orders in hospitalized patients.

Objective: We compared adherence to unfractionated heparin (UFH) 2 or 3 times daily prophylaxis orders versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) once daily orders. Our goals were to determine which strategy demonstrated the best adherence in terms of timing and frequency of dose administration, and to determine reasons for ordered heparin not being administered.

Methods: We queried our electronic medication administration record where nurses document reasons for delayed administration or omitted doses.