Anticoagulant drugs maintain a high potential for Adverse Drug Events (ADEs). Every hospital and health system should have a plan for the safe and effective use of antithrombotic medications in their facility.
The ASHP Foundation’s assessment tool, “Optimizing Antithrombotic Management: An Assessment Tool for Hospitals and Health Systems,” was created to assist in promoting the safe and effective use of these medications in inpatient and ambulatory settings.
Organizations can use this web-based assessment tool to:
- Assess readiness for establishing new antithrombotic therapy programs
- Plan for optimization of existing antithrombotic therapy services
- Evaluate the outcomes, including overall economic outcomes, of these service
While this tool is intended to be useful for all hospitals and health systems, its utility will vary based on the institution’s size, geographic location, services provided and available resources.
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is working with healthcare partners throughout the region to improve anticoagulant safety. This tool is one resource to help partners optimize the use of the very beneficial medications while reducing chance of significant adverse effects.