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A community-based educational intervention to improve antithrombotic drug use in Atrial Fibrillation
Citation
Jackson, SL and Peterson, GM and Vial, JH, A community-based educational intervention to improve antithrombotic drug use in Atrial Fibrillation, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 38, (11) pp. 1794-1799. ISSN 1060-0280 (2004) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2011 by the Harvey Whitney Books Company
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that antithrombotics are effective in reducing the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), they remain underused.
OBJECTIVE: To perform a controlled trial of a comprehensive educational program promoting the rational prescribing of antithrombotics for stroke prevention in AF.
METHODS: The intervention was conducted in Southern Tasmania, Australia, using Northern Tasmania as a control area. General practitioners were sent locally produced guidelines on stroke risk stratification and antithrombotic drug use in AF, which were followed by academic detailing visits. Outcomes were measured using evaluation feedback from the general practitioners, and drug utilization data were provided by a series of patients presenting to the hospital with an admission diagnosis of AF and dispensing of antithrombotic therapy under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
RESULTS: During the educational intervention, 272 guidelines were mailed and, subsequently, 162 general practitioners were visited and the guidelines discussed. Hospital admission data before and after the intervention revealed a significant increase in the use of warfarin in patients at high risk of stroke (33% vs 46% of eligible patients; p < 0.05). Analysis of prescription data for warfarin also indicated that the increase in use of warfarin within the intervention region was significantly greater than for the control region (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The educational program described here led to a significant increase in the prescribing of warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF.Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | antithrombotic agents, atrial fibrillation, education, stroke, warfarin |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Public Health and Health Services |
| Research Field: | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Other Health |
| Objective Field: | Health not elsewhere classified |
| UTAS Author: | Jackson, SL (Dr Shane Jackson) |
| UTAS Author: | Peterson, GM (Professor Gregory Peterson) |
| UTAS Author: | Vial, JH (Associate Professor Janet Vial) |
| ID Code: | 30008 |
| Year Published: | 2004 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 27 |
| Deposited By: | Pharmacy |
| Deposited On: | 2004-08-01 |
| Last Modified: | 2012-11-19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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