Creation of a novel specialty residency in thrombosis and hemostasis management

Abstract

AbstractAntithrombotic and hemostatic medications are essential, yet high‐risk therapies commonly used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and bleeding. Since first demonstrating the ability to improve the safety and quality of heparin and warfarin‐related care many years ago, pharmacists now play an important expanded role in more comprehensive and complex thrombosis and hemostasis management programs. Such programs encompass the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and bleeding across care settings, medical indications, and professional services. These programs impact not only appropriate use of antithrombotic medications, but also of antidotes, blood products, medical devices, laboratory testing, and other important aspects of care. In addition to providing direct patient care, pharmacists are increasingly involved in the development and implementation of system‐level processes and quality improvement activities that require technical knowledge, leadership skills, and effective multidisciplinary collaboration. Evolution in health care regulation and accreditation standards, along with national efforts to advance the concept of Anticoagulation Stewardship, will likely accelerate the growth and expansion of thrombosis and hemostasis management programs, increasing the demand for well‐trained and experienced clinical pharmacists. However, none of the existing accredited specialty pharmacy residency programs encompasses the full range of skills and experiences necessary for new pharmacists to practice effectively in this complex and rapidly evolving field. This manuscript describes the evolution of the Hemostasis and Antithrombotic Stewardship program at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the development of a novel postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency in this specialty area. It provides details of the new PGY2 residency program curriculum and puts forth a vision of success for such programs at the local and national levels.