How did VTE Exemplar Centres come to exist?
The hard-hitting Health Select Committee report of 2005 opened the eyes of clinicians and politicians in England to the risk of patient harm and mortality from hospital-associated venous thromboembolism. This report and the NICE guidance that followed (now called NG89), which was associated with financial incentives, were the main catalysts for the 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 care and encouraging leadership and innovation in the field. One of the primary functions of the Exemplar Centres Network is to share resources, expertise and learning with other centres to ensure rapid and efficient uptake of best practice.
What does itmean to be aVTE Exemplar Centre?
A health care provider (based in England and Wales) can become a VTE Exemplar Centre as long as they can provide evidence that they meet the VTE Exemplar Centres criteria and demonstrate a sustained commitment to minimising the 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, large teaching hospital trusts, specialist centres and district general hospitals throughout England and Wales. The network is currently led by Professor Roopen Arya, Director King’s Thrombosis Centre.
How to become an Exemplar Centre
Any health care organisation in England and Wales can apply for VTE Exemplar Centre status provided they meet the VTE Exemplar Centre Criteria by completing the enquiry form. Applicants are required to send evidence that they meet the criteria to Emma Gee, Associate Director VTE Exemplar Centres Network. Here is an PGH - VTE Exemplar Presentation for guidance.
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.
Why become an Exemplar Centre?
The benefits of gaining exemplar status include;
- Obtaining a 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
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, midwives and allied health professionals will be invited to join the VTE Specialists Network (VSN). The VSN is a very active network. Members are in regular contact with each other regarding clinical queries and sharing resources. The network meets four times a year and holds regular free learning events.
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.
Use the interactive map to find your nearest VTE Exemplar Centre.
All VTE Exemplar Centres participate in the buddy scheme which mentors and supports other health care organisations in reviewing and improving VTE prevention
