Comparison of Autar scale and Wells criteria in DVT risk assessment by nurses in patients with lower extremity trauma

Abstract

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and preventable complication in patients with lower extremity trauma. DVT prediction is considered to be necessary.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the Autar DVT risk assessment scale with modified Wells criteria in predicting DVT by nurses in patients with lower extremity trauma.

Methods: Patients with lower extremity trauma patients who met the requirements for this study were assessed by both the Autar and Wells tools for DVT risk assessment during the first 24 hours after their admission. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.

Results: There was a significant and direct statistical relationship between the results of risk assessment of these two tools based on Pearson correlation (r= 0.731, P<0.0001). Kappa coefficient between the two was 53%. Sensitivity and specificity of the Autar scale were 100% and 68%, respectively, which revealed a higher degree of sensitivity than that of the Wells criteria.

Conclusion: Although the results of DVT prediction for the Autar scale and modified Wells criteria were consistent, the Autar DVT risk assessment scale showed higher sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended that the Autar scale be used to achieve more precise DVT predictions.

Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism (PE); Risk assessment.