Implementation of a Structured Post-pulmonary Embolism Follow-up Model

Implementation of a Structured Post-pulmonary Embolism Follow-up Model in a Danish Hospital Setting

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), clinically presenting as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most frequent cardiovascular disease and is associated with substantial short- and long-term morbidity and mortality and high costs of care. In addition negative physical and mental complications following VTE are common. However in terms of PE, there are no structured follow-up programs in Denmark and there is considerable variation in practice patterns of post-PE management both within and between countries.

This project aims to develop, test and implement a structured follow-up care model for patients with PE (The Attend-PE model). This project is a pre-post intervention study and will estimate the effectiveness of implementing the structured follow-up care model on a national level.

The pre-post intervention study aims to measure differences in self-reported and clinical outcomes in patients with PE before and after the developed Attend-PE model has been implemented.

For the pre-intervention period, patient-reported questionnaires and registry data will be collected on all persons having received a CT-verified diagnosis of PE in the period March 2022 - May 2023. At 6 and 12 months following the PE event, the patients will receive an online letter with an invitation to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire includes validated patient-reported outcome measures and questions about sociodemographic factors. Furthermore, for all patients who have been invited to participate, register data will be retrieved on use of health care services, sick leave, prescription medication, as well as information on hospital of admission. Thus, the last PROM and register data for the 12-month follow-up will be retrieved in May 2024.

From October 2023 - Juni 2024 implementation of the Attend-PE model takes place on a national level, with a project team managing training of personnel and supporting the reorganization of care at the participating hospitals. 16 Danish hospitals have agreed to participate.

Following the implementation of the Attend-PE model, the post-intervention period is initiated. From October 2023 - Juni 2025 a data collection period similar to the pre-intervention period will take place, with patient-reported questionnaires forwarded to patients following a diagnosis of PE at 6 and 12 months, and data from registries being collected in the same time period. Thus, the last 12-month follow-up is expected to be completed in Juni 2026.

Detailed description of Attend-PE model:

• During hospitalization patients are given standardized patient information. This includes a written leaflet, oral information and links for online information (e.g., videos). An assessment of need for cancer screening is made, and in case of symptomatic DVT compressions stockings are provided. Before discharge patients are referred to a VTE clinic.
• Following discharge, patients and their relatives are invited to participate in a 2-hour group-based patient education session, ideally taking place within the first 2 weeks after discharge. This is managed by a nurse, physician and/or allied health professional and includes education about the condition, treatment, symptom management, physical and mental health, importance of physical activity and social support, and an overview of the care pathway. Time is given for questions and discussion with peers.
• Following the patient education, an individual follow-up consultation is offered, depending on an assessment of the individual patients needs. This allows for a recapitulation of the previous information given, and specific questions or worries related to the individual patients situation.
• At three months post-discharge, patients are invited for a consultation with a physician at the VTE clinic. Prior to the consultation, the patient completes an online questionnaire in the waiting room, including validated questionnaires about treatment satisfaction (Anti-Clot Treatment Scale) and physical and mental wellbeing (Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life with cascading questions about dyspnea (MRC), anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). The physician uses the patients responses actively during the consultation for discussion of continued treatment and assessment of whether further referral is required, i.e. to physiotherapist for assessment of physical function and rehabilitation needs, or to the GP for assessment of anxiety or depression and potential treatment hereof. If CTEPH is suspected, referral for VQ scan and/or echochardiography is made. Finally, referral for genetic testing may be considered if thrombophilia is suspected. For patients with provoked PE where medical treatment is completed at 3 months, and where none of the above referrals are required, patients are referred to their GP with standardized a discharge summary for the GP, and information material for the patient.
• For patients continuing medical treatment, a new consultation with a nurse is planned at 6 months, depending on the patients needs. Core elements are adjustment of medication and assessment of physical and psychosocial well-being.
• For patients with individual needs due to complex health conditions, frailty, few psychosocial resources or similar, extra consultations may be provided during follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients (≥18 years)
• CT-verified diagnosis of PE

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who are not living in Denmark on the extraction date
• patients with a active cancer