Different Models for Oral Anticoagulation Management May Be Applied Provided That Minimal Assistance Criteria Are Fulfilled: An Italian Experience

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of adjusted-dose oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) in the prevention of thrombotic complications in various clinical conditions is well documented. Management of OAT requires a trained physician, an organized system of follow-up, reliable international normalized ratio monitoring, and good patient communication and education. Drug interactions with coumarins are a major cause of excessive anticoagulation and hence could be an important determinant of bleeding in patients on OAT.

An analysis conducted in Toscana in 2005 found 31,221 patients persistently on OAT. During the same period, potential drug-drug interactions were detected in 11,778 of these patients (37.7%). Thus, the regional government enacted a specific law for the organization of OAT management to give all patients a minimal standard of quality of OAT. A specific educational campaign was promoted with the slogan “Written is better.” Three possible models to follow individual patients were identified in relation to available resources and geographic characteristics of the living area: Anticoagulation Clinic (AC), General Practitioner (GP), or combined AC and GP management.

This experience, although obtained in a limited geographic area, could help improve the efficacy and safety of OAT management.

KEYWORDS

Oral anticoagulant therapy - quality of care - patient safety - health-care services

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