Investigating The Effect of Updating Warfarin Care Plan on The Rate of Dose Omission

Abstract

Objectives: Clinical decision support (CDS) systems are part of the electronic prescribing strategies aimed at enhancing patient safety, especially with high-alert medications such as warfarin. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of updating the warfarin care plan, a type of CDS, on the omission error rate of warfarin. In addition, to assess its effects on patient safety and the quality of service. Methods: A retrospective pre and post-service evaluation was conducted at a specialised hospital in the UK. All patients on warfarin over six months (June 2022 to December 2022) were included in this evaluation. Data were analysed with a focus on incidence rates, and types of warfarin missed doses. Results: Pre and post-care plan update groups comprised 92 and 82 patients, respectively. A 2% significant reduction in the total warfarin missed doses rate, from 9.15% in the pre-intervention group to 6.53% post-intervention, was reported (P-value 0.011). Conclusion: As part of the CDS, the updated care plan significantly reduced the rates of warfarin missed doses pre and post-intervention, further supporting the use of electronic prescribing strategies to enhance patient safety.