Evaluating the potential for pharmacists to prescribe oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation

Background:Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF)–related strokes remains poorly used. Alternate strategies, such as community pharmacist prescribing of OAC, should be explored.Methods:Approximately 400 pharmacists, half with additional prescribing authority (APA), randomly selected from the Alberta College of Pharmacists, were invited to participate in an online survey over a 6-week period. The survey consisted of demographics, case scenarios assessing appropriateness of OAC (based on the 2014 Canadian Cardiovascular Society AF guidelines) and perceived barriers to prescribing. Regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of knowledge.Results:A total of 35% (139/397) of pharmacists responded to the survey, and 57% of these had APA. Depending on the case scenario, 55% to 92% of pharmacists correctly identified patients eligible for stroke prevention therapy, but only about a half selected the appropriate antithrombotic agent; there was no difference in the knowle...