Letters
Hematologic diseases Pharmacology
Volume 191 - Issue 10

Who is responsible for the care of patients treated with warfarin therapy?

Authors:  Judy A Lowthian, Basia O Diug, Sue M Evans, Ellen L Maxwell, Alison M Street, Leon Piterman and John J McNeil

Med J Aust 2009; 191 (10): 575-577. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb03322.x
Published online: 16 November 2009
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In reply: Bereznicki and colleagues have reinforced the importance of patient education in optimising warfarin safety, while highlighting the need for role clarification in its provision.

We applaud the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s sponsorship of research projects trialling different models of service delivery, such as the coordination of postdischarge warfarin home care by pharmacists and support of patient self-monitoring programs, where appropriate. The success of such care models will be enhanced by a collaborative partnership between the patient and all members of the warfarin care team.1

In addition, appraisal of patient suitability for programs such as patient self-monitoring requires systematic and regular evaluation of cognitive function, compliance and health literacy, to reduce the likelihood of adverse events.2-4 Likewise, ongoing education with resources tailored to individual patients’ capabilities will optimise patient safety.5

Authors

  • Judy A Lowthian1
  • Basia O Diug1
  • Sue M Evans1
  • Ellen L Maxwell2
  • Alison M Street3
  • Leon Piterman4
  • John J McNeil4
  • 1. NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Patient Safety, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.
  • 2. Melbourne Pathology, Melbourne, VIC.
  • 3. Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC.
  • 4. Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: Judy.Lowthian@med.monash.edu.au

References

View this article on Wiley Online Library