Target Audience

Anticoagulation Management Certificate Program for Pharmacists is designed for pharmacists caring for adults with, or at risk of, thrombotic disorders in ambulatory care settings.

Goals of the Certificate Program

The primary goals of this certificate program are to prepare pharmacists to: 1) provide a high level of patient-centered care to adult patients with, or at risk of, thrombotic disorders; 2) create pharmacist advocates for appropriate care and treatment of persons receiving anticoagulant therapy in ambulatory settings; and 3) positively impact the way pharmacists perceive their role in the care and treatment of persons receiving anticoagulant therapy. Additionally, the nurturing of a growing cadre of advanced-trained pharmacists can have a dramatic impact on the care and treatment of all patients.

Professional Competencies and Outcome Expectations

This certificate program addresses the following professional competencies (learning objectives):

1. Describe the pathophysiology, including predisposing factors, and presenting signs and symptoms of thrombotic disorders.
2. Design, recommend, monitor, and evaluate patient specific anticoagulant regimens that incorporate the principles of evidence-based medicine.
3. Identify appropriate goals and outcomes of pharmacologic treatments of selected thrombotic conditions, common adverse effects, common drug interactions, and impact of diet on patient outcomes.
4. Use effective oral and written communication skills to communicate with patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals regarding safe and optimal anticoagulation therapy.

Outcome Expectations

We expect participants who complete this certificate program will have a clear understanding of the professional competency areas listed above. To assess the outcomes of the educational process, we will perform the following assessments:

• Participants must complete 15 hours of continuing education using distance-learning technology prior to participating in the experiential component of the program. This consists of reading materials from peer-reviewed journals as well as identifying and resolving drug-related problems using ten interactive case studies that will be available on-line. The cases will help participants understand the application of the reading materials. A fifty-question exam will test the participant’s knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge. To receive continuing education credit, participants must work through all cases and receive 70% or greater on the exam.
• Participants will be required to attend a one-day interactive anticoagulation management workshop led by faculty preceptors.
• Participants must meet all program requirements in order to receive a Certificate of Completion for this program.

Requisites for Learner Participation

For acceptance into the certificate program, participants must:

• Be a graduate of a school or college of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
• Actively practice pharmacy.
• Demonstrate strong clinical knowledge and skills by citing clinical practice experience.
• Have a demonstrated interest in providing medication therapy management.
• Be employed by an organization able and willing to implement an anticoagulation management service.
• Have successfully completed the on-line distance educational program prior to attending the workshop portion of the certificate program.

Instructional Design to be Used

This certificate program will include two components:

1. Didactic Sessions (provided primarily through self-study distance education and on-line educational materials). By reviewing the selected readings and working through the 10 interactive case studies on our website, participants review the pathophysiology of thrombotic disorders, pharmacologic properties of antithrombotic agents, basics of patient assessment and management strategies, the goals and benefits of patient and caregiver education, and general payment issues associated with pharmacologic treatment options. The on-line program consists of readings and interactive case studies to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to manage thrombosis. Content will include the following:
   • Pathophysiology of thrombotic disorders and an update on current research
   • Examining the causes of these conditions.
   • Diagnosis and assessment of thrombotic disorders.
   • Predisposing factors and comorbid conditions common among persons who have or are at risk for thrombotic disorders.
   • Pharmacologic treatment of selected thrombotic disorders.
   • Nonpharmacologic treatments, including pneumatic devices and stockings, for thrombotic disorders.
   • Appropriate goals and outcomes of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for selected thrombotic conditions, how and when these treatments can be applied, common adverse effects and common drug interactions.
   • Impact and role of diet and nutrition on patient outcomes.
   • Problem solving techniques for investigating and avoiding medication-related problems among persons being treated for thrombotic disorders.
   • Utilization of information from assessment tools for incorporation into the pharmacist’s care plan, including point-of-care prothrombin time monitors, commonly used laboratory methods such as INR, hemoccult test, and achievement of therapeutic goals.
   • Patient self-management techniques.
   • Educating patients and their caregivers about their anticoagulation therapy.
2. Anticoagulation Management Workshop. Participants will be required to attend a one-day interactive anticoagulation management workshop led by faculty preceptors. Active learning techniques will be used to deliver the workshop including hands-on demonstrations, role-playing, and observed structured clinical exams (OSCEs). Content will include:
   • Physiology/pathophysiology of thromboembolic disorders
   • Pharmacology of antithrombotic agents
   • Patient assessment and management
   • Patient education
   • Operational processes surrounding the coordinated care of an anticoagulated patient.

Program Length in Contact Hours and CEUs

This certificate program provides 21 hours (2.1 CEUs) of continuing pharmaceutical education. This is comprised of a 15-hour (1.5 CEU) Web-based educational program and a 6-hour (0.6 CEUs) workshop.

Cost

$599.00 (Discount available for Community Preceptors and VCU/SOP Alumni)

Presenters

Certificate Program Director

Jeffrey C. Delafuente, M.S., FCCP, FASCP
Associate Dean for Professional Education
Professor and Director of Geriatric Programs
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Program Administrator

Sean Bates, M.S., M.P.H.
Executive Director for Postgraduate Programs
VCU School of Pharmacy

Faculty

Laura A. Morgan, Pharm.D., BCPS
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy
Ambulatory Care Specialist
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Adriane Lyles, Pharm.D.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
Department of Pharmacy Services
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System