Medication safety- are we taking this seriously, or is it all too hard?

Anticoagulation regimes are often based on the nurse’s knowledge and experience which may be supported by a variable standing order or a signed medical order. The policies and procedures available contain inadequate information about the use of the anticoagulants. Where is the evidence to support our current practice?

To perform an effective treatment, anticoagulants are prescribed. The requirement of anticoagulation is very individual. Over and under use can be associated with severe consequences. Different methods are used to prevent the blood from clotting in the circuit, depending on the patient’s bleeding risk (e.g. varying doses or omission of heparin). Regular review of regimes is essential to optimize the use of the drugs.
To improve the management of anticoagulation we have developed a learning package, including this poster and we are promoting the extensive use of the Activated Clotting Times machine (ACT). We are reviewing our current practices to find out if or when a change of lines and filter is needed to perform a safe and successful heparin free treatment.

This poster is a staff education tool to increase awareness of anticoagulation drugs and promote individual patient regimes. This will ultimately lead to improved understanding and promote patient safety.