DOACs in Anticoagulation
A Clinical Guide to Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Explore the safe and effective use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with this clinically focused e-learning course from Helicon Health. Grounded in scientific evidence, it develops the practical knowledge needed to select appropriate DOAC therapy and apply dosing and pharmacokinetic principles to individual patients. Learners also examine clinically important drug interactions, adverse effects and their management, alongside practical approaches to patient education and supporting safe treatment. The course comprises five flexible modules designed to support application in routine clinical practice and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
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Anticoagulation Masterclass
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View the Anticoagulation Masterclass →About This Course
Develop practical expertise in direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), from understanding their pharmacology to applying treatment decisions in individual patients. This clinically focused course from Helicon Health draws on current clinical standards and scientific evidence to explore the safe and effective use of DOAC therapy.
The course examines how each DOAC works and how differences in pharmacokinetics, patient characteristics and clinical circumstances influence treatment choices. Learners will explore patient selection, dosing and monitoring, with consideration of renal and hepatic function, weight and clinically important drug interactions.
The course goes beyond prescribing considerations to address the practical management of patients receiving DOACs. Topics include switching between anticoagulants, managing treatment around procedures, adverse effects, bleeding and reversal. The evidence supporting DOAC use in atrial fibrillation is also considered.
Patient education is an important component, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge to give clear, practical advice that supports adherence and safe use.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the mechanisms of action of the four DOACs
- Compare DOACs with vitamin K antagonists and consider appropriate patient selection
- Apply pharmacokinetic and patient-specific factors to DOAC selection and dosing
- Identify clinically important drug, dietary and alcohol interactions
- Understand approaches to switching between anticoagulants
- Describe the management of DOACs around procedures
- Recognise adverse effects and bleeding and understand their management
- Understand appropriate monitoring and ongoing review
- Provide effective patient education on safe DOAC use
Course Structure
The Clotting Cascade & DOACs
Clinical Use in Atrial Fibrillation
Pharmacology & Drug Interactions
Adverse Effects & Safety Management
Educating Patients on DOACs
Prerequisites
Designed for registered nurses, pharmacists, GPs, anticoagulation practitioners and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of anticoagulation. A working knowledge of anticoagulation therapy is recommended.