ISSN: 2329-8790
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Original Research Article
Accuracy of NOAC Prescribing in Primary and Secondary Care: Retrospective Cohort Study
Author(s): Joseph R Smith* and Manraj Barhey
This retrospective multi-centred cohort study assessed non-vitamin K oral anticoagulation (NOAC) prescribing in
4 separate general practices in the UK. Using NICE clinical knowledge skills (NICE-CKS) guidelines we assessed
the accuracy and validity of NOAC prescribing. We identified 337 patients on NOACs. The most commonly
prescribed NOAC was Apixaban (65.3%), followed by Rivaroxaban (20.5%), Dabigatran (10.4%) and Edoxaban
(3.8%). Prescribing was predominantly carried out in secondary care (wards 51.9%, clinics 19.3%) with 28.8% of
prescribing in general practice. The most common indication requiring anticoagulation was arrhythmias (80.1%),
followed by venous thrombus embolus (VTE) (18.1%). The remaining indications were for unlicensed use (1.8%)
including left ventricular thrombus, portal vein thrombus, and cardiac transplant. Furthermore, of the patients on
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