Table 2

Definitions, inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria for study sample22

Data definitionOrders placed for prophylaxis:

  • Subcutaneous low-dose heparin

  • Low-dose enoxaparin

  • Dose adjusted warfarin for DVT prophylaxis

  • Sequential compression devices

Inclusion criteria

  • Hospitalised for at least 24 h

  • Operative procedure performed by general surgery, gynaecology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics or urology

  • Admitted between 3/1/2008 and 12/31/2009

Exclusion criteria

  • Surgery lasted less than 30 min

  • Patient underwent laparoscopic procedure

  • Patient already receiving full-dose anticoagulation