Anticoagulant therapy. Will computer use improve outcomes?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant therapy has been steadily increasing in clinical practice. With its narrow therapeutic range for efficacy and adverse events, this trend can lead to greater morbidity and mortality, making it an increasingly significant clinical, economic, medicolegal and public health issue. OBJECTIVE: To examine issues and challenges arising from the increasing use of anticoagulants in general practice. DISCUSSION: Adherence and regular monitoring by an effective multidisciplinary health care team is critical to optimise anticoagulant therapy. Clinicians, carers and patients need good information, training and support. Adherence to anticoagulation therapy is influenced by clinician interest, skills and involvement in shared decision making and risk counselling. Computerised decision support, based on relevant and comprehensive guidelines for anticoagulant therapy, can improve the way patients and clinicians manage anticoagulant therapy.