VTE EXEMPLAR CENTRES

VTE Specialists Network (VSN)

LEADING THE WAY IN VTE PREVENTION
Promoting Quality Patient Care & Innovation

History

The hard-hitting Health Select Committee report of 2005 highlighted the risk of patient harm and mortality from hospital-associated venous thromboembolism. This report and the NICE guidance that followed (now called NG89) were the main catalysts for implementation of widespread, consistent VTE prevention practice in England. The strategy has succeeded in preventing many patient deaths and significant morbidity from VTE and its sequelae.

VTE Exemplar Centres were created by the Department of Health in 2007 as a way of recognising excellence in VTE prevention and encouraging leadership and innovation. One of the primary functions of the Network is to share resources, expertise and learning with other centres to ensure rapid and efficient uptake of best practice.

Importance and Criteria

Health care providers (in the UK & Ireland) can apply for VTE Exemplar Centre status by evidencing that they meet the VTE Exemplar Centres criteria and demonstrating sustained commitment to minimising risk of hospital-associated thrombosis. They are also required to demonstrate leadership and innovation to ensure that best practice is spread, enabling patients to expect and receive the same standards of care across the country.

Member centres include both public and private sector organisations. The network is led by Professor Roopen Arya, Director King’s Thrombosis Centre.

VTE Exemplar Centre Criteria

Become an Exemplar Centre

Applicants are required to send evidence that they meet the criteria to Emma Gee, Associate Director VTE Exemplar Centres Network (egee@nhs.net).

Where evidence adequately meets the Exemplar Centre criteria, a site visit is arranged (in person or virtual) for the prospective organisation to present their processes, strategies, outcomes and innovation in the field to Exemplar Centres representatives. VTE Exemplar Centres status is then awarded to organisations that display quality, leadership and innovation in all areas of the criteria.

Benefits of gaining Exemplar status

Kite mark for quality VTE prevention care - Exemplar Centre status conveys quality to patients and commissioners
Access to a community of health care professionals interested in quality and innovation in VTE
Networking and sharing of resources and ideas
Recognition of excellence in VTE prevention care
Demonstration of a commitment to improved patient outcomes

Exemplar status - What happens next?

Once Exemplar Centres status is awarded, a letter will be sent from Professor Arya to the Chief Executive and Medical Director of your organisation informing them of this achievement. Exemplar Centres are invited to use the Exemplar Centres logo on correspondence as they see fit and will be invited to Exemplar Centres events.

Nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals will be invited to join the VTE Specialists Network (VSN). The VSN is a very active network, meeting four times a year and holding regular learning events.

Revalidation

In order to ensure quality is sustained, Exemplar Centres are required to revalidate every 3 years. They are invited to submit evidence that they meet the VTE Exemplar Centre Revalidation Criteria, which is assessed by Exemplar Centre leads.

VTE Exemplar Template

How do I find my nearest VTE Exemplar Centre?

You can find the latest list of Exemplar Centres around United Kingdom.

How do I get help from a VTE Exemplar Centre?

All VTE Exemplar Centres participate in the buddy programme which mentors and supports other health care organisations in reviewing and improving VTE prevention. If you would like to be partnered with an Exemplar Centre, please complete the contact form below.