A Written Policy Increases Compliance With Guidelines for Therapeutic Anticoagulation Prior to Elective Direct Current Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Implementing a written policy greatly reduces the number of patients undergoing DCC without adequate anticoagulation or a negative TEE. The impact of this intervention was quickly demonstrable and persisted during follow-up. Supplementing published recommendations with guideline-driven policies may reduce variations in clinical practice and improve quality of care.

Advances in Health Policy 2007

“…11 Research on guideline utilization indicates that having written policy and practice guidelines can improve compliance with best practice for therapeutic anticoagulation. 12 Another study demonstrated the effectiveness of best practice utilization in poststroke depression. 13 The research cited above provides increased knowledge about what stroke policy needs to include such as guidelines on a substantial number of detailed elements in addition to dedicated funds for healthcare systems remodeling.…”