Methodological Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Adult Medical and Surgical Patients and Summary of the Main Categories of Recommendations Included in High-Quality CPGs: A Sys

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complex multifactorial disease with an average annual incidence of approximately 1 per 1000 in the adult population. Recommendations about pharmacological prophylaxis of VTE in adult hospitalized surgical and medical patients are available in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the methodological quality of CPGs for pharmacological prophylaxis of VTE in adult hospitalized medical and surgical patients and to summarize the main categories to contextualize the recommendations included in high-quality CPGs. Methodology: The study used the ADAPTE to contextualize in categories the main recommendations of the high-quality CPGs assessed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II). Results: Fourteen CPGs were screened for assessment of quality methodology by AGREE II instrument. Seven of fourteen CPGs were selected as high-quality (>60%) across domains 3 and 6 to contextualize the recommendations in categories. Conclusion: Seven CPGs evaluated by AGREE had scores above 60% in domains 3 and 6. The scope addressed by the high-quality CPGs included important aspects of pharmacological prophylaxis of VTE in hospitalized patients.