National Prescribing Curriculum
Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation
Prescribe appropriate anticoagulation for a patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).
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Cost: free
About
The National Prescribing Curriculum (NPC) is a series of interactive case-based modules that encourage confident and rational prescribing. The modules follow a stepwise approach as outlined in the WHO's Guide to Good Prescribing.
In this module you will prescribe appropriate anticoagulation for a patient with non-valvular AF.
Learning objectives
On completion of this module, you should be able to:
- recommend appropriate stroke prophylaxis for a patient with non-valvular AF after considering their risk of stroke and bleeding
- describe the stroke risk reduction provided by anticoagulants and antiplatelets in the setting of non-valvular AF
- understand the bleeding risk associated with the different anticoagulants and antiplatelets in AF
- discuss absolute and relative contraindications to warfarin therapy
- understand the risks and benefits of anticoagulation therapy using direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors.