Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy: Clinical Use Guidelines

28.95

Course Overview

This comprehensive course explores the appropriate use of antithrombotic agents for improved patient outcomes. Key topics include pharmacology of common antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, evidence-based indications for mono- and combination therapy, monitoring parameters for safe and effective use, and management of potential complications. Upon completion, you'll be equipped with essential knowledge and clinical pearls for delivering high-quality antithrombotic care.    

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action of commonly used anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, including unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins, vitamin K antagonists, direct thrombin inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitors, aspirin, and P2Y12 inhibitors.
  • Identify best practice and evidence-based recommendations for initiating anticoagulant therapy for various conditions, including atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndrome, prosthetic heart valves, and venous thromboembolism using risk stratification frameworks.
  • Recognize clinical situations warranting antiplatelet therapy, either alone or in combination with anticoagulants, based on updated treatment guidelines for relevant vascular conditions, including acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease, acute ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
  • Select the most appropriate medication monitoring strategy based on specific anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent and therapeutic indication.
  • Indicate safe strategies for transitioning between anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents to avoid therapy gaps or excessive overlap that can precipitate thrombotic complications or bleeding, based on indication timeframe, procedure guidance, and antithrombotic agent properties.
  • Recognize special populations who may require additional monitoring of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic parameters.
     

About the Author/Presenter 

Justin Delic, PharmD, BCCCP is a critical care clinical pharmacy specialist at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. He completed his first year of pharmacy residency at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, followed by a second year of residency specializing in critical care medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Following residency, he went on to practice as an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prior to transitioning into his current role as a clinical pharmacy specialist at Cooper University Hospital. His areas of expertise include pharmacology, neurocritical care, simulation education, and anticoagulation. 
 
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician

If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us