Patient Education
-
Do NOT switch manufacturers of warfarin.
-
Children's Mercy inpatients:
-
Direct patient education on warfarin will be provided by Children's Mercy pharmacists for Children's Mercy inpatients. Education and documentation of education provided will include:
-
Food, drug and complementary/alternative medication interactions with warfarin, signs of bleeding, importance of lab work, importance of informing all health care providers of use of warfarin, and recommendation for use of a Med ID/alert bracelet.
-
-
Direct patient education and patient educational materials emphasizing consistent intake of Vitamin K in the diet will be distributed to patients.
-
-
Children's Mercy outpatients:
-
Patient counseling and written materials on warfarin will be provided by the Children's Mercy Outpatient Pharmacy on receipt of prescriptions.
-
Lexicomp patient leaflets are available to outpatient clinics for patients who will obtain prescriptions from sources other than the Children's Mercy Outpatient Pharmacy.
-
These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.