Program Director/Principal Investigator (Last, First, Middle): Costantini, Todd W & Haut, Elliott R
The proposed 2021 Consensus Conference to Implement Optimal VTE Prophylaxis in Trauma will convene a
multidisciplinary group of established and junior scientists and practitioners in an interactive forum (in-person and online)
during which the current state and future of the science on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis will be
presented. VTE, which includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant cause of
morbidity and mortality for patients following major trauma. Improving patient outcomes by decreasing VTE rates in
trauma patients will require implementation of evidence-based recommendations, optimization of current care pathways,
and development of novel therapeutic strategies for pharmacologic prophylaxis in the future.
The conference primary objectives are to promote research related to delivering timely pharmacologic VTE
prophylaxis, to support the development of education platforms and clinical care pathways to improve implementation of
current guidelines, and to develop future research objectives for VTE prophylaxis in trauma. The conference aims are to:
1) Define guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in high-risk trauma patients that are accepted by trauma clinicians, surgical
subspecialists, nurses, pharmacists, and all specialists who provide care to injured patients;
2) Disseminate these guidelines to respective specialty organizations;
3) Address challenges to the dissemination and implementation of these guidelines across healthcare systems;
4) Define research priorities to measure short- and long-term outcomes for injured patients at risk for VTE, study the
implementation of consensus guidelines, and investigate novel pharmacologic approaches to VTE prophylaxis;
5) Integrate the voice of injured patients and people with VTE to promote truly patient-centered care research;
6) Provide an opportunity to engage junior investigators, women, and underrepresented minorities interested in trauma
and VTE to ensure the pipeline of a diverse group of investigators and spur new grant applications.
To encourage attendance by junior investigators and trainees, 5 junior investigator travel awards will be made to cover
travel and registration expenses. The offering of these awards will be announced through the Coalition for National
Trauma Research’s member organizations (to their more than 14,000 members) and related professional organizations
comprising underrepresented scientists and practitioners. Awardees will be encouraged to participate as authors in the
preparation of the conference proceedings for publication. Roundtable discussions and networking activities are included
in the conference agenda to facilitate interaction between junior and senior participants.
The conference will align with NHLBI’s overarching strategic vision to: “Develop and optimize novel diagnostic and
therapeutic strategies to prevent, treat, and cure HLBS diseases” (Obj. 5), to “Optimize clinical and implementation
research to improve health and reduce disease” (Obj. 6), and to “Further develop, diversify, and sustain a scientific
workforce capable of accomplishing the NHLBI’s mission” (Obj. 7).
OMB No. 0925-0001/0002 (Rev. 03/2020 Appr to 02/28/2023) Page 1 Continuation Format Page