Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer.(1-6) Despite clinical guideline recommendations for thromboprophylaxis in high-risk outpatients with cancer,(7-14) realworld adherence remains low in tertiary and community cancer centers.(15-19) Barriers include limited provider awareness, concerns about bleeding risks, and resource constraints. In November 2024, the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre (WRCC) implemented a multidisciplinary VTE prevention program to address this gap by systematically identifying high thrombotic risk outpatients initiating chemotherapy and prescribing thromboprophylaxis. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the WRCC VTE prevention program by evaluating rates of primary thromboprophylaxis prescription before and after implementation of the multidisciplinary program. Eligible high-risk outpatients with cancer initiating systemic therapy will be identified using the Khorana risk score and assessed for lowdose anticoagulation with apixaban or rivaroxaban. Study periods will include a 1-year pre-implementation phase (October 2022-October 2023) and a 6-month post-implementation phase (November 2024-May 2025). Statistical analyses will be descriptive and compare thromboprophylaxis prescription rates, patient education documentation, and associated clinical factors.
Establishing a VTE prevention program in a large community cancer center is feasible through a multidisciplinary approach involving clinicians, nurses, and pharmacists. Such a program will improve patient education on the thrombotic risks associated with cancer while effectively and safely reducing VTE incidence in high-risk individuals, ultimately lowering thrombosis-related morbidity.
