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Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are commonly prescribed to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after cesarean delivery and gynecologic surgery. But how well do patients adhere to this intervention? Investigators evaluated the efficacy of patient education about VTE prophylaxis, nursing staff education, or both.
Rates of adherence to use of the compression device were similar at baseline (54%) and after the interventions (61%). When investigators observed women not wearing their devices postoperatively, they asked the patients why. The three most common responses were: “The nurse said I don't need them anymore,” “I just got back in bed and no one has reapplied them,” and “I've been walking.” The authors concluded that, given this …