A pilot audit of a protocol for ambulatory investigation of predicted low-risk patients with possible pulmonary embolism

Abstract

The data from this audit suggests this protocol can be applied to select and manage low-risk patients suitable for ambulatory investigation of possible PE. A larger prospective comparative study would be required to accurately define the safety and effectiveness of this protocol.

British Thoracic Society Guideline for the initial outpatient management of pulmonary embolism (PE)

“…Finally, a single-centre audit of an OP care pathway for patients with suspected PE discharged from the emergency department pending imaging has been reported 60 . A series of clinical exclusion criteria were applied and patients were treated with LMWH before returning for imaging within 24 hours.…”