ASHP Provides Pharmacy Perspective On NQF Quality Measures For VTE, USA

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 22 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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ASHP encouraged the National Quality Forum (NQF) to add platelet monitoring for low-molecular weight heparins to proposed quality measures for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients.

The Society's recommendations are consistent with American College of Chest Physicians' guidelines calling for platelet monitoring every two or three days within days four and 14 of LMWH therapy. ASHP's comments noted the growing evidence that the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia may be underestimated in patients receiving these therapies.

In addition, ASHP recommended strengthening the requirements for patient education by including an assessment of health literacy and comprehension. The Society also voiced support for NQF's research recommendations that could enhance future versions of the measures.

Edith Nutescu, Pharm.D., clinical associate professor and director of the Antithrombosis Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy contributed to ASHP's comments and served as ASHP's appointee to the NQF's Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Care Steering Committee that led development of these measures. The final measures will be approved by a vote of NQF members, including ASHP.

NQF is a private, not-for-profit membership organization created to develop and implement a national strategy for healthcare quality measurement and reporting.

Click here to read the comment letter.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists