Warfarin Management in Practice

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This team-based learning (TBL) session was developed to equip clinicians and undergraduates with the background knowledge and practical skills to manage patients on warfarin who present with bleeding, potential bleeding, or a high international normalized ratio in the absence of bleeding. The resource was developed in response to identification of patient safety issues and poor compliance to recommended guidelines surrounding the management of patients on warfarin. Methods The prereading material contained in the resource is provided to students approximately 1 week before the session. During the session, students engage in an individual readiness assurance test before being grouped into teams where they complete a group readiness assurance test and a series of team application exercises. Results This session has been successfully implemented in various formats to a broad range of practicing United Kingdom clinicians. Learner reactions to the session, as evidenced by anonymous feedback and verbal comments to faculty, have been positive. The session works well for both large and small groups and for those with differing clinical backgrounds and experience. Analysis of readiness assurance testing results (both individual and group) demonstrates evidence of knowledge acquisition relating to the session's defined learning objectives. Group interaction with the team application scenarios and interteam debates provides evidence of increased analytical skills and clinical application of the learning objectives to real-life practice. Discussion TBL is well established within undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, ensuring knowledge acquisition, application of knowledge to real-life cases, and development of auxiliary skills such as teamwork. This resource has been developed to be a highly versatile tool. The content is relevant to both undergraduate and postgraduate education, enabling delivery of clinically relevant continuing education to practicing clinicians. The session has been designed to enable applicability to a global audience.

Keywords

• Education
• TBL
• Team-Based Learning
• Learning
• Hemorrhage
• Warfarin