Anticoagulation

As so many of the common problems in clinical practice today relate to arterial and venous thrombosis, it is important that all healthcare professionals have a clear understanding of the basics of thrombosis/haemostasis and coagulation/anticoagulation pathways. The underlying final pathophysiological process in myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke is thrombus formation (thrombogenesis). Other common cardiovascular disorders, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and venous thromboembolism, are also associated with thrombogenesis.

In this updated and revised modular programme, we will first be introduced to antithrombotic therapy by examining the mechanism of coagulation and how this relates to the development of arterial and venous thrombosis. Module two will discuss how and why antiplatelet therapy is important, and module three will look at the value of anticoagulant therapy. Later modules consider the clinical aspects of anticoagulation, including the use of anticoagulants in acute coronary syndromes, non-valvular AF, cardioversion, peripheral arterial disease and venous thromboembolism. The role of the pharmacist is also considered.

Each module will have a series of multiple-choice questions. Its five and a half hours of learning leads to five and a half continuing professional development (CPD) credits.

This latest 2021 revision and earlier revisions of the anticoagulation modular programme have been funded by educational grants from Bayer. Bayer had no role in the writing of the modules and had no editorial control over the content. The original programme was made available with an educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Pfizer UK Limited. It has been independently written by leading UK physicians and pharmacists, and has been endorsed by the Atrial Fibrillation Association and Arrhythmia Alliance – the Heart Rhythm Charity.