Course Description
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common and preventable cause of morbidity in older people. If untreated, DVT can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers, phlebitis, pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a life-threatening condition. ‘Deep Vein Thrombosis’ from Altura Learning outlines what deep vein thrombosis is, explores risk factors and preventative strategies, and explains how staff can respond to signs and symptoms to prevent serious complications.
Whilst individuals of any age, gender or background can develop a blood clot, age increases the risk of developing a blood clot. This is partly because older people are more likely to have health problems that affect blood flow. However, older people also tend to be less active or mobile than younger people. This risk increases for older people living in care homes, who are more likely to develop a blood clot than older people living at home.
This comprehensive course uses clinical animation to demonstrate how a blood clot forms in the body and how it travels to the lung to form a pulmonary embolism. Learners are shown what the common signs and symptoms of both DVT and PE look like, and how to respond appropriately. Management and preventative strategies are also demonstrated, including the use of compression stockings.
Learning Outcomes
Older people are at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. This course will outline what deep vein thrombosis is, explore risk factors and preventative strategies, and explain how staff can respond to signs and symptoms to prevent serious complications.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
* Define deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
* Identify risk factors for deep vein thrombosis
* Describe the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
* Explain what to do if the older person has signs or symptoms of a
blood clot
* Describe strategies to reduce the occurrence of a blood clots in
older people
Course Code:
AOC17260-B-H-NZCPD Points:
0.5Course Availability:
Available NowTopics:
Clinical SkillsLibrary:
Home CareCollection:
Care & ClinicalSubject Matter Expert:

Dr. Roshmeen Azam is an Internal Medicine and Public Health physician dedicated to enhancing the health outcomes of older individuals in acute hospital and aged care settings. Dr. Azam is renowned nationally and internationally as a clinical governance expert and health professional educator, having spearheaded the National Prescribing Service to promote quality clinical care in general practice, hospitals, and aged care facilities. With a focus on designing educational content, case-based assessments, and clinical audits, she has successfully conducted numerous programs addressing deep vein thrombosis and vascular disease risks in older populations across Australia, Singapore, Ireland, and India, that have had an impact on a global scale in the care of our older people.
Last Updated:
23/06/2025 12:00 am