Best Practice for Administering Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) Injection: An Evidence-Based Practice Project

Abstract

Context: Anticoagulation with subcutaneous heparin is the most common treatment for thromboembolic illnesses. LMWH is currently the most popular parenteral anticoagulant drug. Low molecular weight heparins are given by subcutaneous injection. This form of administration frequently results in adverse reactions, such as pain at the injection site, bruising, pain, sclerosis, and the development of hematomas.

Aim: Determine the best practice for administering low molecular weight heparin.

Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the incremental rollout stage. The evidence-based practice team used a data collection tool to assess the incidence of bruising and pain. After appraising and synthesizing the evidence, the practice changes to use the abdomen as the first choice for injection of low-molecular-weight heparin was rolled out in the cardiac ward from OCT 2021 to NOV 2021.

Results: Highly statistically significant was found between both groups regarding injection site and incidence of pain P=0.000. Regarding the incidence of bruising, a statistically significant difference was found between both groups, p=0.004.

Conclusion: The abdomen should be the first choice for injection of low-molecular-weight heparin.