Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

Learning points

By completing this module you will learn a critical understanding of:

  • The frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in stroke patients
  • The factors which increase patients risks of VTE after stroke
  • Interventions which may be helpful in reducing the risks of VTE
  • A detailed knowledge of how to use Intermittent Pneumatic compression

This module is divided into the following sections.

01. Introduction to venous thromboembolism (VTE) after stroke

  1. What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
  2. What is a pulmonary embolus (PE)?
  3. Factors causing clots (thrombosis) – Virchow’s triad
  4. What is the risk in stroke patients?
  5. Which stroke patients are at greatest risk?

02. Interventions which aim to reduce the risk

  1. Testing your knowledge about interventions to reduce the risk of DVT after stroke
  2. Aspirin
  3. Heparin or low molecular weight heparin
  4. Balancing the risks and benefits of anticoagulants
  5. Graduated compression stockings (GCS)
  6. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)

03. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)

  1. What does IPC comprise?
  2. Types of IPC
  3. Kendall SCD Express system
  4. Which patients should be treated with IPC?
  5. How long should we apply IPC?
  6. Selecting the correct size of IPC Sleeves
  7. Applying and monitoring the IPC sleeves
  8. Common mistakes in applying sleeves
  9. Optimising adherence to IPC
  10. Applying IPC – test your knowledge
  11. Troubleshooting IPC:
    – Switching on the Kendall SCD Express
    – The Kendall SCD Express control panel
    – Types of alarms on SCD Express controller
    – Cleaning the IPC equipment
    – Troubleshooting IPC – Test your knowledge

Page last reviewed: 21 Apr 2020