EVALUATION OF A PHARMACIST-MANAGED ANTICOAGULATION CLINIC

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Abstract
Medical records were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the success of a pharmacist-managed Anticoagulation Surveillance Clinic (ASC). The 78 patients in group I were followed by the ASC. The 17 patients in group II were followed by other Veterans Administration Medical Center clinics. Demographic characteristics, warfarin [anticoagulant drug] indication and potentially complicating conditions were comparable between the groups. Group I patients had shorter intervals between visits to the clinic than group II patients. Although not statistically different compared to group II, group I patients had better prothrombin time control. Group I patients had fewer complications/treatment yr (6.9% vs. 9.0%) and received fewer potentially interacting drugs. The ASC was at least as successful as the other clinics in managing patients on warfarin, and results compared very favorably for other anticoagulation clinics.