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 warfarin (also known as
Coumadin, Jantoven). Warfarin helps to prevent harmful blood clots from
forming and lengthens the time it normally takes for blood to clot. Patients
with certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, mechanical/artificial
heart valves, stroke, previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT- blood clot in
a vein), and pulmonary embolism (PE- blood clot in the lungs), may require
the use of an anticoagulant.
The ACC is located on the first floor near the Laboratory of MDH. For more
information, the ACC can be reached at
(309) 836-1659 or
(309) 833-4101, ext. 13267.
What services are provided at MDH?
Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education: The purpose of inpatient education is to introduce patients to warfarin
(Coumadin, Jantoven) therapy by providing information on the medication’s
mechanism of action, routine laboratory monitoring, side effects, drug/food
interactions, and safety precautions.
Outpatient Anticoagulation Clinic: The Anticoagulation Clinic was established at MDH in December, 2003. The
purpose of the ACC is to provide safe, effective, and convenient management
of warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) on an outpatient basis.
How can I utilize the anticoagulation services at MDH?
Inpatient Anticoagulation Therapy Education: A pharmacist or a registered nurse visits inpatients that are receiving
warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) 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 education in anticoagulation therapy.
Interested individuals should contact his/her primary care physician for
a referral.
What can I expect when I visit the Anticoagulation Clinic?
At each visit, the MDH Laboratory draws a blood sample for a Protime/INR
(a blood test that measures how quickly blood clots). Results are available
within 15 minutes, and then, if necessary, dosage changes are made. One
to one clinic visits allow the nurse to assess compliance with the Warfarin
(Coumadin, Jantoven) regimen and to provide education on signs and symptoms
of bleeding and clotting events, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Written instructions and printed materials are provided after each visit.
Through continuous education, compliance is improved significantly, which
aids in achieving and maintaining the patient’s therapeutic INR range.
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