Prescriber perceptions of the safety and efficacy of unfractionated heparin versus low molecular weight heparin in the acute treatment phase: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intravenous unfractionated heparin (IVUFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are first line anticoagulants for the management of acutely unwell patients. The decision to prescribe either IVUFH or an LMWH is complex with minimal direction from clinical guidelines. The aim of this study was to explore individual prescribers' perceptions on prescribing IVUFH or LMWH in patients' acute management.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected senior medical officers who were from specialities including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, respiratory, emergency, vascular surgery, nephrology, neurology and general medicine, identified as those that routinely prescribe IVUFH or LMWH. An interview tool with seven questions and four hyp

SUBMITTER: Green D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11578413 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature