Reducing the Risk of Stroke in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Faculty

Needs Statement

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is a condition experienced by millions of Americans which puts them at risk for potential for the formation of blood clots in the heart that can cause a cerebrovascular accident. Fewer than half of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation receive anticoagulation therapy. Multiple barriers which prevent patients from receiving optimal, evidence-based anticoagulation therapy. This presentation will explore the current guidelines for atrial fibrillation management and stroke prevention and address the barriers to optimal treatment.

Target Audience

This program was designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists.

Objectives

• Discuss risk for stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) and the CHADS2 and CHA2DS 2–VasC scales
• Describe current guidelines for anticoagulation in AF
• Discuss the pertinent biochemistry of coagulation and pharmacology of warfarin and the New Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs)
• Explain risks of bleeding with anti-coagulation in relation to the risk for stroke
• Identify barriers to physicians appropriately treating AF and methods to overcome them
• Describe potential of team approaches to AF

Accreditation

CPE
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

This -based activity has been assigned UAN 0845-0000-16-001-H04-P and will award 1.25 contact hours (0.125 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE providers.

Statements of participation will indicate hours and CEUs based on participation and will be issued online at the conclusion of the activity. Successful completion includes completing the activity, its accompanying evaluation and/or posttest (score 70% or higher) and requesting credit online at the conclusion of the activity. Credit will be uploaded to CPE Monitor, and participants may print a statement of credit or transcript from their NABP e-profile. UNTHSC complies with the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education.

CNE

UNT Health Science Center is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # 16274. This activity is approved for 1.40 Contact Hours.

Physicians

The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to award continuing medical education to physicians.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center has requested that the AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education approve this program for 1.25 hour of AOA Category 2A CME credits. Approval is currently pending.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

ACGME Competencies

• Medical knowledge

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Godon has nothing to disclose. The UNT Health Science Center Professional and Continuing Education staff have nothing to disclose.

OFF-LABEL USE:

Dr. Gordon will discuss use of purified coagulation factors - factor 7 and 9 as antidotes for warfarin.

Acknowledgement

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim.

The activity was supported by PACE - General.