BACKGROUND: The conventional standard of care for many patients at Saint Joseph HealthCare, a three-hospital system in Kentucky, includes the use of anticoagulant therapy. In view of the morbidity and mortality associated with anticoagulation-related complications, the prevention of bleeding and thrombotic adverse drug events was identified as a primary process improvement initiative.
METHODS: Following establishment of an interdisciplinary team, formal evaluations of anticoagulant-use practices and associated patient outcomes occurred via several mechanisms. A variety of process improvement activities were conducted, including the creation of a pharmacist-managed hospital anticoagulant therapy service. A pharmacist consult service for the medical staff provided initiation, management, and monitoring of anticoagulation, including bridge therapy and reversal if necessary.
RESULTS: The rate of thrombotic events decreased from 4.6% in 2004 to 3.9% in 2006 and further decreased to 0.0% for patients managed by collaborative physician and pharmacist practice. Hospitalwide bleeding and thrombotic reactions decreased from a monthly average of 11.52 events per 1,000 anticoagulant doses dispensed in 2004 to 0.07 in 2006. A cost-benefit evaluation indicated an annual savings of up to $9.8 million in avoidable costs.
DISCUSSION: In this interdisciplinary project, anticoagulant safety was integrated throughout the institution, and a variety of medication safety systems were successfully employed.
}, year = {2008}, journal = {Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf}, volume = {34}, pages = {196-200}, month = {04/2008}, issn = {1553-7250}, language = {eng}, }