Follow-up care for patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) includes assessing the need for continued anticoagulation treatment beyond 3 months, based on individual risk factors and clinical course NICE NG158.
It is recommended to discuss the benefits and risks of continuing, stopping, or changing anticoagulation with the patient, especially after 3 months of treatment NICE NG158.
If anticoagulation is to be continued, long-term anticoagulation should be considered for unprovoked DVT, with shared decision-making about the type and duration of therapy NICE NG158.
Patients should be advised about the signs and symptoms of recurrence and when to seek medical help, and provided with written information and contact details for thrombosis specialists NICE NG158.
In cases where anticoagulation is stopped, patients should be informed about the risk of recurrence and monitored for symptoms, with follow-up plans tailored to their individual risk profile NICE NG158.