Patient Adherence and Experience with Self-Administered Enoxaparin for Postpartum Thromboprophylaxis

(1) Background: Low molecular weight heparins have shown to significantly reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism in at risk postpartum women. In 2021, the VTE guideline at the study hospital was updated to replace earlier versions and align with national standards. One of the changes in practice was extending thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin to 10 days after emergency or non-elective caesarean sections. This study aims to evaluate postnatal patient experiences, educational adequacy, and adherence with enoxaparin administration after hospital discharge following the practice change. (2) Methods: A telephone survey was conducted with 30 postpartum patients who were prescribed enoxaparin upon discharge from the hospital. The survey included questions regarding their adherence, administration, disposal methods, and confidence in self-administration. The data was analysed to identify common themes and areas needing improvement. (3) Results: The adherence rate among patients was 23/30, 76.7% of patients used all provided enoxaparin injections. Non-adherence was primarily due to pain/discomfort and lack of confidence. Less than half of all patients reported self-administration, with 18/30, 60.0% requiring administration by their partner/family member. Fear of needles and discomfort were the reported barriers to self-administration. All patients reported receiving education, with 6/30, 20.0% of patients felt their training was inadequate. Proper disposal of used injections was reported by 27/30, 90.0% of patients. (4) Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of comprehensive and multidisciplinary education for postnatal patients prescribed enoxaparin. Standardisation of the education given to patients, early initiation of self-administration, and supportive environments may help to improve adherence and patient confidence.