Drug Spotlight on Anticoagulants

Abstract

The Drug Spotlight turns on anticoagulants, because the appropriate use of these agents could prevent a substantial number of the 50,000 deaths caused by venous thromboembolism annually in the United States. Experts may differ on some of the indications for anticoagulant therapy, the method of administration, and the duration of therapy. Nonetheless, it is important to determine how the use of anticoagulants in your hospital measures up to the ideas presented by Dr. Stanford Wessler, on page 757 and the opinions expressed in the other scientific reports presented in the other journals participating in the program. Listed below are suggestions for studies of anticoagulant therapy. Your pharmacy and therapeutics committee should gather data on one or more of these subjects or on some other aspect of anticoagulation. The analysis of your data might lead to more effective use of anticoagulants and to a reduction in morbidity and mortality from venous