IHI.org - A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Header Image






Reduce Adverse Drug Events Involving Anticoagulants:
Use Anticoagulation Flowsheets

Keeping all of the information about a patient’s anticoagulant therapy organized in one place helps the clinical staff plan and assess therapy. Flowsheets are a great way for staff members to record orders, doses administered, flow rates, laboratory values, and other important data. A flowsheet can help a prescriber assess a patient’s response to therapy and consider order changes. A comprehensive flowsheet saves time for staff members because they do not have to look in multiple places for the information they need.


Tips
  • Incorporate into the flowsheet any specific guidelines or protocols for anticoagulation therapy in place in your organization.
  • Include dose calculation aids for anticoagulant solutions in the flowsheet.
  • Organize lab information so staff members can see laboratory results over time, not just the most recent result.