Effects of action research method on improving accuracy of Caprini venous thromboembolism risk scale

Objective To explore the effects of the action research method on improving the accuracy of Caprini venous thromboembolism risk scale used by nurses to evaluate the risk of venous thrombosis in traumatic orthopedic patients. Methods Traumatic orthopedic nurses were trained by raising questions, detailing the use of the scale, taking action, observing, and then designing, implementing, observing and reflecting once again based on the action research method between September 2017 and April 2018. The difficulty in using and evaluating the scale was analyzed to propose an impeccable approach to scale evaluation. The accuracy of the scale used by nurses were compared before and after intervention. Results A total 205 patients were evaluated in the study. Consistent results by duty nurses and the research group were found in 170 patients, accounting for 82.93%; and the consistency rate of evaluation by duty nurses and the research group in newly admitted patients reached 100.00%. Conclusions The action research method, when used by traumatic orthopedic nurses to evaluate the risk of venous thrombosis in patients can improve the timeliness and accuracy of evaluation, hence ensuring the safety of traumatic patients. Key words: Venous thrombosis; Risk evaluation; Traumatic orthopedics; Action research