Thrombosis in conversation

Episode 24: Clinical considerations: Managing treatment switches

Clinical pharmacist Dr Arthur Allen joins Dr Barnes to discuss how to navigate transitions between anticoagulants, including when and why to use bridging low-molecular-weight heparin, the patient characteristics that may influence management, and why switching guidance in the prescribing information is not practical. Also, amid local variations in care models and cultures, what is the key factor that can determine the success of physician–pharmacist collaborative care?

Episode 23: From hospital to community: Transitions in VTE care

Dr Piazza and Dr Barnes discuss how collaboration and a clear message can ease the transition from hospital to home, and the return to daily routines, for people recovering from VTE. Our experts discuss the optimal timing of thrombophilia testing, supporting medication adherence and getting patients moving again.

Episode 22: Selecting anticoagulants: Individualised approaches

“We can definitely utilise each other’s strengths and expertise and make some synergy. We all have the same goal here.” Clinical pharmacist Dr Sara Vazquez and Dr Barnes discuss how physicians and pharmacists can collaborate to create more effective, individualised treatment approaches, and outline strategies to ensure patients are meaningfully involved in decisions about their treatment.

Episode 21: Optimising adherence in anticoagulation therapy

Dr Barnes and Dr Sara Vazquez consider the diverse factors that influence patients’ adherence to anticoagulant therapy, including “nuisance bleeding”, pill burden, and whether treatment is to prevent AF or VTE. They also look at different ways to build habits that can work for different individuals, and Dr Vazquez offers practical tips for effective communication with patients about their medications.

Episode 20: “If you measure it, you can improve it” – AI for managing AF

Artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular care is empowering researchers and clinicians to uncover new findings that were previously undetectable. These data enable more sophisticated conclusions for guiding clinical decision-making. Dr Rohan Khera joins Dr Barnes to examine the present and future impact of AI technologies on the management of AF.

Episode 19: Does obesity positively impact direct oral anticoagulation outcomes?

Dr Barnes and Dr Karlyn Martin discuss how recent data have informed opinions on the safety and efficacy of using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in people with obesity and thrombosis. Dr Martin considers DOACs for people who have received bariatric surgery, and if guidelines for DOAC use in patients with comorbid obesity and VTE apply to other groups with thrombosis.

Episode 18: “Can’t I just use an aspirin instead?”

Host Dr Geoffrey Barnes and Dr Sara Vazquez review treatment options for stroke prevention in patient groups with AF and discuss overcoming patient and physician barriers to initiating optimal treatment. Dr Barnes observes: “Patients will often bring interesting stories that influence their ability to make a decision.”

Episode 17: Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and comorbid obesity

Dr Geoffrey Barnes and Dr Gregory Piazza examine when ongoing weight-adjusted dosages are necessary in a patient with AF and obesity, best practices for monitoring renal function and medication levels, and specific lifestyle modifications.

Episode 16: Stroke prevention in AF with high bleeding risk

Mitigating the risk of stroke in people with high bleeding risk can be a challenging balancing act. Dr Potpara and Dr Barnes discuss how these risks can be addressed, and how “patients should not be denied effective therapies because of concerns that can be managed in other ways”.

Episode 15: Stroke prevention in older adults with AF

Dr Tatjana Potpara and Dr Barnes focus on managing stroke risk in older adults with AF, highlighting the clinical challenge of balancing bleeding risk with the benefits of anticoagulants.