Table 7 Factors facilitating optimal management of thromboprophylaxis

• Case Management

• Good GP/GP support

• Ease of access to INR checking

• Education

• Counselling assessment

• Discharge planning

• Follow up

• Family support & involvement

• A HAS-BLED and CHADS2 Score

• Open discussion and understanding of thromboprophylaxis

• Good understanding of risks and benefits

• Pharmacy education

• Regular adherence and INR monitoring

• Multi-disciplinary care

• Good communication (including listening, interpreters, written info)

• Warfarin booklets (written information)

• Self-management & community support

• Careful assessment, reassessment of factors if change

• Monitoring of adherence

• Ensuring type of lifestyle and therapy is matched with patients capacity to self-manage

• Nurse-led anticoagulation clinics