Abstract
Objective
Assess patient compliance with self-administration of subcutaneous low-molecular-weight-heparin (enoxaparin) injections for 14 days following knee replacement surgery.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing knee replacement surgery during a 4-month period were identified from a database. All patients had been taught to self administer enoxaparin injections during their in patient stay and asked to self administer the remaining injections after discharge if feasible. Patients were then sent questionnaires designed to assess compliance.
Results
A total of 40 patients, equal male and female were studied. A compliance rate of 100% was demonstrated. Following discharge, 63% of patients administered the injections themselves, 30% had injections given by district nurses, and 7% had injections given by a family member. Common reasons for requiring district nurses to administer injections included needle phobia and cognitive impairment. No complications of post-operative bleeding, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were encountered in any of these patients. 57% of patients found the injections easy to administer. 73% would be happy to self-administer in future if necessary.
Conclusion
Patients find self-administration of enoxaparin an acceptable treatment and compliance is excellent; however, it is not feasible in all patients. Self-administration reduces the cost and workload to the district nursing service following discharge from hospital after total knee arthroplasty.
