Abstract:
Background: Warfarin has traditionally posed a challenge to clinicians because ofits nan'ow therapeutic index. Extended roles for pharmacists may address some ofthe problems in warfarin management. International experience has involved anticoagulation clinics in which pharmacists have authority to engage in collaborative prescribing activities with physicians. Aim: To identify opportunities for pham1acist prescribing activities in warfarin management within the hospital setting. Method: Pham1acists from a Sydney teaching hospital were recruited. The first stage involved an audit of pharmacists' interventions in patients receiving warfarin. Stage two involved a focus group discussion to further explore these issues.
