IMPROVE VTE Risk Score for Medical Patients
Predicts VTE risk in hospitalised medical (non-surgical) patients. Guides pharmacological thromboprophylaxis decisions.
Score interpretation
Low risk. VTE rate <1%.
→ Early mobilisation. No pharmacological prophylaxis routinely required. Mechanical prophylaxis if reduced mobility.
Moderate risk. VTE rate 1–3%.
→ Consider LMWH prophylaxis. Assess bleeding risk first. Mechanical prophylaxis.
High VTE risk (>3%).
→ LMWH prophylaxis strongly recommended unless contraindicated. Daily reassessment of risk vs bleeding. Consider extended prophylaxis in high-risk cancer patients.
Interpretation bands for the IMPROVE VTE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Spyropoulos AC et al. Predictive and associative models to identify hospitalized medical patients at risk for VTE. Chest. 2011;140(3):706-714.
- NICE NG89. Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. 2018.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Betrixaban (Extended VTE Prophylaxis — Medical Patients) · Oral Factor Xa Inhibitor (DOAC — Extended Duration)
- Enoxaparin (LMWH) · Anticoagulant
- Enoxaparin · Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
- Enoxaparin sodium · Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
- Dalteparin sodium · Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
- Bemiparin sodium · Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.