Anticoagulation Therapy Services at MDH

1. What is Anticoagulation Therapy?
   Simply put, anticoagulation therapy is the use of medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. Inpatient education and the outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic (ACC) focus on the use of the oral medication Coumadin (also known as warfarin), which helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming and lengthens the time it normally takes for your blood to clot. Due to certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves, stroke, previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism, many patients require the use of an anticoagulant.
    
2. What services are provided at MDH?
   Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education:
   The purpose of inpatient education is to introduce patients to Coumadin therapy by providing information on the medication’s mechanism of action, monitoring, side effects, and drug/food interactions.
   
   Outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic:
   In December 2003, the Anticoagulation Clinic at MDH was opened to help patients monitor their use of the drug Coumadin. The purpose of the ACC is to provide safe, convenient and effective management of Coumadin on an outpatient basis.
    
3. How can I utilize the anticoagulation services at MDH?
   Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education:
   A pharmacist or a registered nurse from the ACC visits inpatients that are receiving Coumadin therapy. A referral by a physician may be made, but is not required.
   
   Outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic:
   Patients are referred to the clinic by a physician and are seen by a registered nurse with specific knowledge and certification in anticoagulation therapy.
   
   The ACC is located on the third floor west wing of MDH. For more information, the ACC can be reached at (309) 836-1659 or (309) 833- 4101, ext. 13267 or download a copy of the Anticoagulation Clinic brochure.
    
4. What can I expect when I visit the Anticoagulation Clinic?
   At each visit, the MDH Laboratory draws a blood sample for a Protime/INR test. Results are available within 15 minutes, and then, if necessary, dosage changes are made. One to one clinic visits allow the nurse to provide education on diet, alcohol consumption, drug interactions, bleeding and clotting events. Written instructions and printed materials are provided. Through continuous education, compliance is improved significantly, which aids in achieving and maintaining the patient’s therapeutic INR range.
    
5. Who provides anticoagulation education at MDH?
   Donna Twomey RN; Brandy Bowman, RN; and Karen Bucholtz, RN. In addition, Dr. Curt Farr serves as Medical Director.

The ACC makes it as easy as 1-2-3

Step# 1:

Shannon Heath, Laboratory, draws blood from ACC patient, Mary Warnock. Mary was the first patient seen at the Anticoagulation Clinic in December of 2003. She is still coming on a regular basis and is very complimentary of the services provided by the staff at the clinic.

Step#2:

While waiting for blood test results, Donna Twomey checks Mary’s blood pressure and inquires about any health concerns or questions she might have since her last appointment.

Step#3:

 
Mary receives an explanation of her test results and instructions about any changes in her medication dosages.