Dr. Elliott R. Haut presented evidence-based strategies to reduce venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the Armstrong Institute Grand Rounds on May 29, 2026 [1].

Improving the prevention of VTE is critical for patient safety because these blood clots can lead to severe complications or death if prophylaxis is not properly managed. By addressing system-level failures and prescribing adherence, hospitals can reduce avoidable patient harm.

Haut, who holds both an M.D. and Ph.D., focused his presentation on the necessity of system-wide methods to lower VTE rates [1]. He said that improving the prescribing of prophylaxis and ensuring strict adherence to those protocols are primary goals for medical institutions. The presentation took place at Johns Hopkins Medicine, where the Armstrong Institute leads efforts in patient safety and quality improvement [1].

A significant portion of the discussion centered on surveillance bias. Haut said how the way VTE rates are reported can be skewed, potentially masking the true prevalence of the condition or the effectiveness of certain interventions [1]. By identifying and correcting these biases, healthcare providers can obtain a more accurate understanding of patient risks.

Beyond clinical protocols, Haut advocated for the active engagement of patients and their families in the care process [1]. He said that involving family members helps create a safety net that can identify risks, and ensure that preventative measures are followed. This collaborative approach shifts the responsibility of safety from a purely clinical task to a shared partnership between the provider and the patient.

The presentation served as a roadmap for implementing more rigorous surveillance and engagement strategies within the hospital setting [1]. Haut said that the combination of systemic oversight and patient-centered care is the most effective way to minimize the occurrence of VTE in acute care environments.

“Improving the prevention of VTE is critical for patient safety”

The focus on surveillance bias suggests that current hospital metrics for blood clot prevention may be unreliable. By integrating patient and family engagement into the clinical workflow, Johns Hopkins is moving toward a model of 'high-reliability' healthcare where safety is verified by multiple layers of oversight rather than relying solely on physician prescribing.