Improving warfarin therapy through implementation of a hospital-based pharmacist managed clinic in Jamaica.

Abstract

Background: Pharmacist managed warfarin clinics can improve the anticoagulation status of non-valvular patients. The first of such services was implemented at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica in 2013. Objectives: To assess the anticoagulation control of patients on warfarin therapy over six months in the pharmacist managed warfarin clinic at Cornwall Regional Hospital. Methods: Retrospective docket review for the period January 2014 to December 2016 was done to include data of patients attending routine clinic appointments for at least six months. Age, gender, date of visit, indication for warfarin therapy, warfarin dose and International Normalized Ratio readings were extracted. Percentage time spent in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated by month for six months using the Rosendaal linear interpolation method. Patient anticoagulation status was categorized as poor (TTR40% and sustaining these values over six months. The services should therefore be encouraged.

Keywords

• Program Evaluation
• Warfarin
• Anticoagulants
• International Normalized Ratio
• Pharmaceutical Services
• Pharmacists
• Retrospective Studies
• Jamaica