A Cause for a PAUSE: Evaluating a Standardized Perioperative DOAC Management Protocol

One in six patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), or an estimated six million patients worldwide, will require perioperative anticoagulant management this year.  Ambulatory care pharmacists commonly face the scenario where a patient taking a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for AF requires an elective surgery or procedure. Best practices for periprocedural management of DOACs are unclear and current guidelines differ in their recommended approaches. Having a simple, systematic periprocedural DOAC management protocol would be helpful. But would a straightforward protocol that is easily understood by clinicians and patients be safe and effective? The PAUSE study investigators attempt to establish the standard of care.

Guest Authors:  Maggie Faraj, PharmD and Candice Garwood, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

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