Personal tales of venous thromboembolism in the UK the last 60 years: from no interest to clinical excellence

Abstract

SummarySixty years ago there was little interest in venous thromboembolism (VTE) in global medical circles, and the British were no different in this respect. And yet, from nowhere the clinical field has developed: now prevention and management of VTE accounts for a large part of many consultant haematologists’ working life, while some nursing staff and pharmacists spend the majority of their clinical time in this area. Indeed the ‘Brits’ have developed enormous VTE expertise and arguably lead the world in prevention of 60% of all VTE, which is hospital‐associated venous thromboembolism (HAT).