Educating Patients and Pharmacists Patient education is a large part of the anticoagulation pharmacist specialist's role. Wittkowsky and her staff spend about half an hour counseling each newly referred patent. The patient's ability to understand the therapy and to be alert to complications is systematically reviewed at each follow-up session. In a culturally and ethnically diverse area such as the Pacific Northwest, the pharmacists often call on interpreters to assist in these sessions. Written patient education materials are available in several languages.
Variety is one thing.
Independence is another. We have more experience in anticoagulation than they do. The service has grown substantially under her leadership. The number of pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinics across the country is also growing. For that reason, education is a major part of Wittkowsky's role.