New case study reveals how to safely switch between anticoagulants for stroke prevention

Mar 18 2014

With the availability of newer oral anticoagulants, the latest online case study from NPS MedicineWise helps health professionals navigate this changing area and understand the range of treatment options for managing stroke prevention in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

The case study is based on a scenario of oral anticoagulant treatment options for a 76-year-old woman with this condition.

Clinical adviser at NPS MedicineWise Dr Andrew Boyden says the case study will help health professionals in differentiating between the oral anticoagulants that are now available.

“Over the last 18 months we’ve seen the availability of newer oral anticoagulants, and this increase in choice represents a major shift from the treatment options that were available in the past,” he says.

“The newer options present both benefits and risks for patients. The new online case study has been developed to help health professionals gain more confidence in talking with patients about the benefits and risks of the newer anticoagulants compared with warfarin.”

Participants in the case study will be updated on approaches to stroke risk assessment in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and provided with insight into the advantages and disadvantages of warfarin and the newer oral anticoagulants. They will also look at the principles involved in how to safely switch between anticoagulants.

“By completing the case study, health professionals will be able to better able to support  patients and doctors to  identify and manage modifiable bleeding risk factors and assist in the implementation of  a systematic approach to the ongoing monitoring of patients on oral anticoagulants,” says Dr Boyden.

The interactive case study provides participants with instant feedback and enables them to compare their approach with their peers. It also includes expert commentary on the case from leading Australian neurologist Associate Professor John Worthington.

NPS MedicineWise case studies are a free activity and provide the opportunity to earn CPD points. They have the added advantage of being accessible on multiple devices, including computers or tablets.

The response to the new online format has been very positive, and to date over 1200 health professionals have completed the type 2 diabetes case study.

This case study is a free professional development activity for GPs, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals. Case studies are also recognised for the Quality Prescribing Incentive (QPI) of the Practice Incentives Program (PIP).