Written and Verbal Instructions on Coumadin Reduce Injuries

A new study found that giving patients written and verbal instructions on proper use of the blood thinner Coumadin significantly reduces the risk of serious gastrointestinal and brain bleeding problems.  It also found that patients who see only one doctor and fill their prescription at a single pharmacy are less likely to suffer serious bleeding events.

The study included adults taking Coumadin for problems such as heart rhythm abnormalities, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, heart valve replacements or pulmonary embolism. 

Patients who received written information or written information plus verbal instructions were less likely to suffer bleeding events than those who received no instructions beyond those printed on the prescription bottle.

Again, we see that communications by doctors and pharmacists are not adequate.  If communications improved, we could reduce the number of bleeding events and have earlier recognition of medication side effects.  Unfortunately, poor communication often leads to patient injuries due to medical malpractice.

For more information, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.