Anticoagulation Clinic Recognized For Excellence

The Anticoagulation Clinic (ACC) of McDonough District Hospital (MDH) has been recognized as the Clinic of the Quarter for the second and third quarter of 2009 by KeyStone Therapeutics, the anticoagulation software company used in the MDH clinic.

Anticoagulation therapy is the use of medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. Patients most often take the blood thinner Coumadin® (warfarin) or other medications to help prevent excess clotting. Warfarin can be a dangerous medication if not closely supervised; therefore, the ACC is a service established to monitor and manage these medications.

Keystone Therapeutics, Inc. “develops automation tools designed to reduce medication errors, maximize effectiveness, and increase efficiencies, economically and without disruption.” The company was designed by and continues to be managed by licensed pharmacists. They are “dedicated to advancing drug monitoring services and improving patient outcomes.”

The ACC of MDH was recognized for maintaining an 87.7 percent of patients within the satisfactory therapeutic treatment range for their individual therapy during the second quarter and 89.9 percent during the third quarter.

Previously, the ACC was acknowledged as the Clinic of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008 by the DoseResponse Anticoagulation Newsletter, maintaining 88.2 percent of patients within the acceptable therapeutic treatment range for their individual therapy.

During a visit to the clinic, the nurse will discuss the use of Coumadin® and answer any questions. The MDH Laboratory will obtain a small blood sample from the patient’s arm for the Protime/INR test. This sample of blood is used to determine how long it takes for the patient’s blood to clot. Results are evaluated, and then, if necessary, dosage changes are made.

The nurse also monitors patients for any drug and diet interactions or side effects and provides education on diet, alcohol consumption, drug interactions, bleeding and clotting events. Written instructions and printed materials are provided.

The ACC is located on the third floor of the hospital. Anticoagulation Therapy services are provided by Brandy Bowman, RN; Karen Bucholtz, RN; and Donna Twomey, RN. In addition, Dr. Curt Farr serves as Medical Director. For more information, the ACC can be reached at (309) 836-1659 or (309) 833- 4101, ext. 13267.