A new post-discharge warfarin service model could address existing deficiencies by provision of home visits, and improved education and communication, health professionals believe.
An Australian study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, identified three deficiencies in current warfarin services, following interviews with 47 pharmacists, GPs and patients from Tasmania, Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Tasmania, found factors included the need for patient-tailored warfarin education, improved communication between hospital and community-based healthcare practitioners and provision of home-delivered services to ensure timely follow up and continuity of care.
All the respondents strongly believed that patients should receive comprehensive warfarin education, preferably from a pharmacist, prior to hospital discharge.
This site is intended for Registered Medical Practitioners.
To make the most of Pharmacy News, you need to be logged in.