NCT06939803 · Vanderbilt University Medical Center
AI-driven Clinical Decision Support to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism: Study Protocol for the VTE-AI Randomized Trial.
(VTE-AI RCT)
What this study is about
Hospital-acquired blood clots (HA-VTE) are the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients in the US. Each year, about 900,000 people get blood clots, costing between $7 and $10 billion in medical expenses. HA-VTE is the second leading cause of long-term disability and causes significant health issues and deaths in both adults and children.
View original scientific description
Hospital-acquired blood clots (HA-VTE) are the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients in the US. Each year, about 900,000 people get blood clots, costing between $7 and $10 billion in medical expenses. HA-VTE is the second leading cause of long-term disability and causes significant health issues and deaths in both adults and children. About 1 in 3 people who get blood clots experience long-term complications. Reducing HA-VTE is a major challenge. This study will test a new AI method to predict and prevent HA-VTE. The goal is to see if this AI tool can reduce the number of HA-VTE cases in the Vanderbilt Health System, which includes both urban and rural hospitals. The AI tool, called VTE-AI, calculates a risk score without needing input from doctors. It will suggest reconsidering blood clot prevention measures for patients who don't have them ordered and have no reasons to avoid them. This suggestion will be made after admission and daily during the hospital stay. Currently, doctors manually calculate a risk score and choose a prevention option. This study will compare the effectiveness of the AI tool against the current manual method in reducing HA-VTE cases. The study will randomly assign half of the patients to use the AI tool and the other half to the standard manual method.
Interventions
OTHER
Risk model-driven CDS
The CDS intervention will use an automated risk model called "VTE-AI" to add EHR-based prompts in the form of alerts targeting those encounters on which 1) VTE-AI risk is above 5% predicted risk (found to be high risk in prior analyses), 2) no active DVT prophylaxis pharmacologic order is present, 3) no contraindication has been documented in the current admission
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of Hospital Acquired VTE
Time frame: Baseline to discharge from hospital, approximately 2 to 5 days
Percentage of admissions in which patients were diagnosed with VTE more than 48 hours after admission, defined as "Hospital Acquired" in prior literature
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Inpatient admission to Vanderbilt Adult Hospital, Vanderbilt Tullahoma Harton Hospital, Vanderbilt Bedford County Hospital, or Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital
Where
- Nashville, Tennessee
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations