Registered nurse-managed anticoagulation clinic: improving patient outcomes.
Anticoagulation therapy is essential in the prevention of thromboembolic events in a variety of patient groups, but has a high risk/benefit profile. Patient adherence and careful control of therapeutic levels of medication require frequent monitoring and good communication. An emerging model of care is nurse-managed anticoagulation clinics, which provide a focused and organized approach. This institution found that registered nurses were successful in providing consistent patient education and relationship-based care, which appear to improve compliance and minimize complications. The patient group that received the care of the nurse-managed anticoagulation clinic had outcomes that were better than those of patients managed by the previous model. More randomized controlled studies are needed to validate and enhance improved patient outcomes.
Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY, USA.
Carmen L
CL
Francavilla
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000078329:Workforce
D000925:Anticoagulants