Effect of a novel pharmacist-led reporting system on appropriate use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in a patient-centered medical home

Recent analyses demonstrate roughly 16–24% of patients taking direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are prescribed an inappropriate dose, exposing patients to increased risk of thrombosis or bleeding. The use of reporting systems in the outpatient setting can efficiently identify potential medication errors and safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel pharmacist-driven reporting system on appropriate prescribing of DOACs in the outpatient setting. This single-center qualitative study was conducted within a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Reports were generated monthly to include all new DOAC prescriptions. Branching logic and filters were utilized within a secure web application to make the reporting process more efficient and identify regimens needing an intervention. Pharmacists reviewed the regimens populated by filters and made recommendations to prescribers as appropriate. The number of interventions proposed was captured as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include the nature of drug therapy problems identified and number of interventions accepted by prescribers. A total of 107 patients were analyzed for appropriateness from November 2017 to February 2019. Of the regimens included for review, 15 regimens were identified as potentially inappropriate. The nature of drug therapy problems identified include under dosing (4.25%), overdosing (2.13%), correction of documentation (2.13%), clarification of indication (3.19%), and ordering laboratory studies (3.19%). Of the interventions recommended, fourteen (93%) were accepted. Pharmacists integrated in a PCMH are well positioned to monitor and resolve DOAC drug therapy problems using local clinical reports.