HSE launches “Eve’s Protocol” to improve diagnosis and care for patients with blood clots in Ireland

The HSE has launched a new national clinical guideline for early diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The guideline aims to standardise VTE care across Irish hospitals, reduce preventable harm, and ultimately save lives.

VTE affects approximately 5,000 people each year in Ireland, and is it reported that more than 1 in 12 people will experience a VTE event in their lifetime. Risk increases significantly with age, reaching over 5 in 1,000 annually among those aged 80 and older.

The new National Clinical Guideline, also known as "Eve’s Protocol," is designed to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

It reflects best international practice as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis and the European Society of Cardiology.

Named in Memory of Eve Cleary

The guideline is named in memory of Eve Cleary, who tragically died due to VTE.

Speaking after the launch, Eve’s Mum Melanie said: "We are so proud to see the implementation of Eve’s guidelines and all that's been achieved in Eve’s name. 

These national clinical guidelines will save lives. While you can never stop blood clots, these guidelines will stop the complications attached to VTE. Eve’s legacy will live on."

Dr Colm Henry, CCO, HSE added: “Enhanced awareness of VTE is critical to reducing the harm associated with this condition which can occur in all settings. Eve’s Protocol, addresses this need raising awareness of it’s signs and symptoms, among both patients and healthcare practitioners. These guidelines are a clear confirmation of the immense value of clinical leadership and the power of multidisciplinary collaboration in shaping our future health service”

Key Goals of Eve’s Protocol

• Improve Patient Safety: Through clear guidance on prevention, risk assessment, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.
• Promote Best Practice: Using evidence-based risk stratification and diagnostic pathways to inform care.
• Standardise Hospital Care: Ensuring patients across all hospitals receive consistent, high-quality VTE management.
• Support Clinicians and Patients: With user-friendly tools to help identify risk, recognise symptoms, and respond quickly and appropriately.

A Common and Preventable Risk

The majority of VTE (blood clot) events occur during or within 90 days of a hospital stay. Others develop in people with cancer, during or after pregnancy, or when the lower leg is immobilised (e.g., in a cast). Despite its seriousness, public awareness of VTE remains low. In one survey, 75% of adults had never heard of DVT, and fewer than 1 in 10 could name a symptom*.

“Many cases of VTE go undiagnosed until serious complications develop,” said Professor Fionnuala Ní Áinle, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme in VTE (NCP-VTE). “This guideline is designed to change that, ensuring we identify those at risk, raise awareness among patients and staff, and provide a structured approach to care.”

Protocol aims

Eve’s Protocol aims to:

• Improve Patient Safety: By establishing a clear, actionable guideline for the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and optimal treatment of VTE
• Promote Best Practices: Leveraging established diagnostic pathways and risk assessment methodologies to enhance VTE awareness and management.
• Standardise Care: Ensuring consistent and high-quality VTE care delivery within hospitals
• Provide Comprehensive Guidance: Assisting healthcare professionals in identifying VTE risk factors, recognising signs and symptoms, and applying appropriate diagnostic, treatment and recovery options.

Ann Marie O’Neill, CEO and Founder of Thrombosis Ireland: ‘‘We were delighted to work with the HSE and the 75-member multi-disciplinary team on the development of this new National Clinical Guideline and the patient education materials. They are designed to support patients, give them clear and reliable information to help them to understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and to provide support towards their optimal recovery. Implementation of this VTE National Guideline and accompanying support materials, will be crucial for clinicians and patients alike to ensure the same high-quality prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery supports in every hospital nationwide. We are delighted they have now been launched and will assist in helping to achieve improved VTE prevention in hospitals.’’

Pathway to Recovery: Comprehensive Patient Education Materials

A suite of patient education materials is also being co-launched alongside the guideline. These resources, available on the HSE website, are designed to empower patients with the knowledge they need to understand, prevent, and recover from blood clots.

VTE programme documents and resources

The guideline emphasises the crucial role of comprehensive education for both patients and healthcare professionals regarding the signs and symptoms of VTE. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that high-risk groups and hospitalised patients receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis (preventive measures).

The new guideline is intended for use by all healthcare professionals involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The patient education materials will be of interest to patients undergoing diagnosis, treatment and recovery following an event of VTE, and their families and carers.