Delayed discharges due to initiation of warfarin in atrial fibrillation: A prospective audit

4th Joint GHP/UKCPA National Conference

“…This is because the assessment tool has been designed to assess the potential risks in preparation and administration rather than the clinical risk of the drug itself. Opiates, anticoagulants, local anaesthetics and anaesthetics drugs are known to have caused severe patient harm [5]. Despite low scores on this assessment, risks associated with these drugs used in this setting need to be managed.…”

“…The slower loading schedule is believed to reduce adverse effects associated with over anticoagulation [4] and heparin cover is less critical. Discharge of patients when the INR is not therapeutic is a more controversial NPSA indicator as the prolonged inpatient stay increases costs [5]. If outpatient INRs can be arranged then patients could be managed out of hospital during warfarin initiation, especially low risk AF patients [5].…”

“…Research from the United States of America indicate that patients' expectations of pharmacy services 'are more likely to portray the pharmacist as a supplier of prescription products than that of a concerned counsellor regarding medications [5]. In addition, patients' expectations of pharmacy services were not matched by the expectations of hospital staff and managers [5]. …”

“…A review of the published literature shows very little evaluation of hospital-based pharmacy services has been undertaken; and none involved hospitals in the UK [5][6][7]. Research from the United States of America indicate that patients' expectations of pharmacy services 'are more likely to portray the pharmacist as a supplier of prescription products than that of a concerned counsellor regarding medications [5].…”

“…Aveeno, Aqueous Cream and E45 scored best for smoothness (8) with Neutrogena once again being the poorest (3). For overall acceptability Aqueous Cream BP and E45 were rated best (7) with Neutrogena, Epaderm and '50-50' rated poorest (5).…”