Research to real-world application: experts weigh in on the underuse of anticoagulants.
Publication/Presentation Date
12-1-2014
Abstract
Although numerous studies have shown that anticoagulants can reduce the risk of stroke and thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, they are underprescribed in the clinical setting. While standardized risk scoring assessments are recommended in treatment guidelines to determine when anticoagulant use may be appropriate, they are not widely used in the real-world clinical setting. Many factors contribute to anticoagulant underuse, including patient characteristics and comorbidities. Reluctance to prescribe an anticoagulant may also stem from concerns about bleeding or other perceived risks. In addition, physicians may be discouraged from prescribing anticoagulant therapy, particularly warfarin, if follow-up care and monitoring is potentially unfeasible. Patient fears of treatment and lack of access to the healthcare system also contribute to underuse. Increased awareness and education, medical therapy management programs, better care coordination, and improvements in monitoring and follow-up programs may help to increase the use of anticoagulant therapies in appropriate patients.
Volume
20
Issue
14 Suppl
First Page
312
Last Page
318
ISSN
1936-2692
Published In/Presented At
Berger, J., Balfour, D. C., 3rd, Biskupiak, J. E., Dunn, J., Liotta, D. B., Merli, G. J., Pezalla, E. J., Shaya, F. T., & Villanueva, T. (2014). Research to real-world application: experts weigh in on the underuse of anticoagulants. The American journal of managed care, 20(14 Suppl), s312–s318.
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
25734340
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article