Implementation of a standardised annual anticoagulation specialist review in primary care

Abstract

An increasing number of patients are being prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), while the patients who remain on warfarin are becoming more complex. There is currently a lack of a standardised anticoagulation review for patients in primary care, resulting in potentially preventable harm events. Our aim was to implement a new service, where a standardised review is carried out by a specialist multidisciplinary secondary care anticoagulation team. Overall, the implementation of a standardised review resulted in better optimisation of anticoagulation management for patients taking either a DOAC or a warfarin. Of the 172 eligible patients prescribed warfarin, 47 (27%) chose to switch a DOAC. The average time in therapeutic range for patients on warfarin before and after the pilot increased from 73.5% to 75%. Of 482 patients taking a DOAC, 35 (7%) were found to be on incorrect dose. In 32 (91%) of 35 patients, the dose was amended after notifying the patient's general practitioner. We also found a significant number of patients inappropriately prescribed concomitant medication such as antiplatelet or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potentially putting the patients at an elevated risk of bleeding. While further research is needed; we believe the results of this pilot can be used to help build a case to influence the commissioning of anticoagulation services. Secondary care anticoagulation teams, like our own, may be well-placed to provide or support such services, by working across the primary care and secondary care interface to support our primary care colleagues.