Useful links for businesses & commissioners

The British Society of Haematology (also known as the British Committee for Standards in Haematology) has a wealth of nationally-recognised anticoagulation guidelines, including:

• Guidelines on oral anticoagulation with warfarin, 4^th edition
• Peri-operative management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy
• Patient self-testing and self-management of vitamin K antagonists

This Patient Safety Alert advises healthcare organisations to take steps to manage the risks associated with the prescribing, dispensing and administering of anticoagulants. It includes:

• Template service audit form – uses BSH/NPSA safety indicators
• Information for community pharmacists, GPs and social care providers
• Poster for dental practices on how to manage patients who are taking warfarin and undergoing dental treatment
• British Society of Haemotology Standards for anticoagulants
• Risk assessment reports
• Patient information in English and other languages

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has guidelines on the management of:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Venous thromboembolism
• Choice of Point of Care device for patients taking vitamin K antagonists who wish to self-test

The European Cardiology Society has a useful guideline on the management of Atrial Fibrillation

The European Heart Rhythm Association has published excellent practical guidance on the safe management and monitoring of patients taking DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants)

The British Society of Gastroenterology has published guidance on the management of patients on warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelet medicines who are undergoing endoscopic procedures.

NEQAS – the UK National External Quality Assessment Service – provides external quality control testing for all anticoagulation point-of-care devices, including the CoaguChek®.

INRstar is a computer decision support system (CDSS) which can assist with anticoagulation dosing, recall and follow up.

Patients who are self-testing can use the ENGAGE app to upload their INR directly from their CoaguChek® INRange device to their INRstar patient record.  All the patient needs to do this is an internet-enabled device and an internet connection.

The ENGAGE app also helps patients adhere to their anticoagulant treatment by giving them daily dosing reminders and next test date reminders.