Evaluation of the implementation of an anticoagulation management protocol at a community hospital

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Pharmacy Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementation of an anticoagulation protocol involving dosing and monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin, specifically enoxaparin, for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and/or acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of DVT, PE, and/or ACS treated with UFH and/or enoxaparin were included. Data were collected on patients admitted to a community hospital during February 2008 (preimplementation) and February 2009 (postimplementation). Results: Forty-six patients were included in the preimplementation group and 25 patients in the postimplementation group. Forty-six percent of patients were dosed properly in the preimplementation group (UFH 38% and enoxaparin 50%) compared to 76% in the postimplementation group (UFH 56% and enoxaparin 88%; P =.023). Fifty-four percent of patients were monitored properly in the preimplementation group (UFH 31% and enoxaparin 67%) compared to 68% in the postimplementation group (UFH 56% and enoxaparin 75%; P =.318). Conclusion: Standardized dosing with a multidisciplinary-managed anticoagulation protocol significantly increased proper dosing of anticoagulation therapy; however, the protocol did not significantly improve proper monitoring. A lack of understanding of the need for baseline laboratory data contributes to improper monitoring. An approach which includes significant educational strategies is necessary to optimize patient care. © SAGE Publications 2011.

First Page

404

Last Page

408

DOI

10.1177/0897190011406124

Publication Date

1-1-2011

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