• Of the 89,455 patients already on oral anticoagulant medication – 8,774 moved from VKA to the new anticoagulant drugs - NOACs - and 2,743 on the new anticoagulant drugs had their dose adjusted or were taken off the drug due to clinical issues.
• Those patients who were not taking their drugs regularly were sent letters to encourage adherence.
• The review also highlighted patients who needed secondary care referrals to a haematologist.
• The GP in consultation with the patient then made the decision on the best treatment for that patient going forward.


Mike Farrar who was CEO of the NHS Confed and worked in the NHS as a senior manager for more than 20 years commented, “This type of exercise is great for patients and the NHS in terms of outcomes and savings. As long as the data and prescribing decision is always under the control of the GP, these types of partnerships should be encouraged.”

Research in this area indicates that if the NHS can target their resource to ensure patients with the greatest need get the best care and medication early in their disease it will have the best effect in achieving improved outcomes.

About Interface Clinical Services
Interface Clinical Services is an independent supplier of clinical support services. They have over 70 pharmacists helping GPs, practice managers, administrators, and commissioners to manage long term conditions, improve patient care and maximise QOF outcomes. To date, Interface has worked in 3,470 primary care practices throughout the UK, helping to improve the quality of prescribing for millions of people. Interface also work with the healthcare industry providing solutions on clinical research, market access, business intelligence, and new product indications.

http://www.interface-cs.co.uk

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