ABSTRACT
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention is an international patient safety issue. The author has observed gaps in prescription and provision of VTE prophylaxis, and that the attitude to VTE is often reactive rather than proactive. This concept analysis aims to explore proactivity and apply it to VTE prevention to address this. Ten databases were searched (1992-2012) using the keywords proactive, proactivity, nurse, nursing, VTE/venous thromboembolism, prevent/prevention/preventing, behaviour, DVT/PE (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). The Walker and Avant (2010) method of concept analysis identified the defining attributes as personal initiative, taking charge and feedback-seeking behaviour. Antecedents and consequences have been identified, and empirical referents are demonstrated. Defining proactivity in VTE prevention has the potential to increase prescription and, crucially, provision of prophylaxis, thereby improving patient care, reducing avoidable harm and improving the patient experience.
