IMPROVE Risk Score for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

• Results should complement, not replace, clinical judgment and individual patient assessment.
• Continuously assess the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic measures, adjusting as needed based on patient response and any emerging risk factors.

• Score ≥2: Start appropriate pharmacologic (e.g., low molecular weight heparin) or mechanical (e.g., compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression) prophylaxis.
• Score <2: Pharmacologic thrombophylaxis is not warranted. Instead, early ambulation with or without mechanical prophylaxis may be appropriate.

If pharmacologic prophylaxis is warranted, evaluate for and weigh the risk of bleeding. Consider combining this assessment with the IMPROVE Bleeding Risk Score.

• This tool is meant to risk stratify patients who have a potential risk for VTE, not to diagnose VTE.
• If deemed appropriate, anticoagulation should not be withheld from patients who require it as part of the treatment for their diagnosis.
• Prior to initiating any anticoagulant therapy, a patient’s bleeding risk should be evaluated.