Abstract
Antiembolism stockings (AES) are used as a part of thromboembolic prophylaxis among ortophaedic patients. The effect of the stockings is well documented, but a relevant factor as to the effectiveness of the prophylaxis are how and to what extend patients comply after discharge according to recommendations? The design is descriptive and includes 161 patients. The patients had had surgery due to a hip fracture (acute patients) or a knee — or hip replacement (elective patients). 3 months after surgery the patients received a structural questionnaire. Results: 89% had continued using AES. 11% of the patients had stopped using AES immediately after discharge. 83% of the patients had used AES minimum 4 weeks, 68% minimum 8 weeks and 29% more than 12 weeks. More of the acute patients than elective patients had stopped using AES within 4 weeks (p<0,01). 79% of the patients had one or several inconveniences in relation to using AES. 10% of the patients had stopped using AES due to inconveniences. The inconveniences often mentioned by the patients were, AES was too warm (58%), AES slides down ((49%) and AES was too tight (50%). 77% of the patients had needed assistance after discharge in using AES. 63% had received this assistance from public community care. Conclusion: Patients have a high degree of acceptance of AES according to known risk of thromboembolism. But more of the acute patients stop using AES within 4 weeks after discharge and some patients continue using AES beyond recommendation. A high number of patients state they have inconveniences using AES. Inconveniences which can mean patients have doubtful effect of AES or stop using the stockings.