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Clinical and safety impact of an inpatient pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service.

Schillig J, Kaatz S, Hudson M, et al. Clinical and safety impact of an inpatient pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(6):322-8. doi:10.1002/jhm.910.

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August 24, 2011
Schillig J, Kaatz S, Hudson M, et al. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(6):322-8.
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Patients receiving warfarin therapy are at high risk for adverse events. Interventions to improve warfarin safety have focused on trigger tools, communication protocols, and the use of visual medication schedules. This study implemented a pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service to capture inpatients on warfarin and provide them with dosing, monitoring, and coordination of transition from the inpatient to outpatient setting. This cluster randomized trial demonstrated safer transitions in 73% more patients and a 32% reduction in the composite safety end point, which was driven by fewer patients experiencing an INR ≥ 5 (i.e., supratherapeutic levels that increase the risk of bleeding). This study adds further support to the role of pharmacists in driving medication safety, specifically for warfarin in both the inpatient and community settings. A past AHRQ WebM&M commentary discussed a case of a near miss due to a warfarin drug interaction that led to a supratherapeutic level following hospital discharge.

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Schillig J, Kaatz S, Hudson M, et al. Clinical and safety impact of an inpatient pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(6):322-8. doi:10.1002/jhm.910.

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