No-Cost Resources To Help Patients Take Blood Thinners Safely

AHRQ’s newly released 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, an assessment of the nation’s progress toward improved care, shows warfarin-related adverse drug events continue to be a problem. In 2014, the rate for this measure was 4.8 percent, compared with 4.4 percent in 2009. Our booklet, “Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safely,” and online video, “Staying Active and Healthy With Blood Thinners,” can educate patients in a consistent, easy-to understand way on how to take blood thinners safely, including getting regular blood tests and knowing when to notify their doctor. These resources comply with patient safety standards that call for patient education on high-alert medications such as anticoagulants, and they are available in English and Spanish. Copies of the print brochure can be obtained at no cost from the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse. Call 1-800-358-9295 or email AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.