Managing oral anticoagulation therapy: improving clinical outcomes. A review.

Full Abstract

Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) because of the fear of haemorrhagic complications. Changes in patient health, lifestyle or diet and other drugs can alter the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants. These potential interferences, added to the fact that each individual has a different reaction to these drugs, requires that therapy is monitored regularly. This article aims to review those strategies which help to achieve optimal anticoagulation control and improve the outcomes of OAT. Relevant articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE and included publications reporting on intensity of anticoagulation, the initiation of therapy and the role of pharmacogenetics, the transition from primary to secondary care, management by specialized clinics using decision support software and home-testing. Implementation of these strategies would increase the use of oral anticoagulants by physicians and offers the potential to improve patient safety and reduce adverse events.

Author information

Author/s: Ryan, F (F); Byrne, S (S); O'Shea, S (S);

Affiliation: Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics (J Clin Pharm Ther), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Dec; vol 33 (issue 6) : pp 581-90

Dates: Created 2009/01/13; Completed 2009/03/09;

PMID: 19138235, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 3/10/2009, IMS Date: 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Associated Chemicals: Anticoagulants (0)

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.