Discharge Planning and Patient Education

• Educate on correct administration, dose, schedule, and duration of prescribed anticoagulants. Emphasize adherence.
• Discuss side effects and monitoring plan for prescribed anticoagulants. Patients should promptly report signs of bleeding or other concerning effects.
• Instruct on proper storage and handling of injectable anticoagulants.
• Review importance of follow-up appointments for INR monitoring with warfarin therapy.
• Advise patients to avoid OTC drugs that interact with warfarin unless approved by provider.
• Encourage use of medic alert bracelet indicating anticoagulant use.
• Provide education on signs/symptoms of DVT recurrence and when to seek emergent care.
• Instruct on proper DVT prophylaxis with ambulation, hydration, and compression stockings.
• Develop plan for management of comorbidities impacting DVT risk.
• Complete medication reconciliation and communicate medication changes to outpatient providers.
• Schedule timely follow-up appointment with primary care provider or anticoagulation clinic.
• Send summary of hospitalization to outpatient provider.

Providing patients with education and clear discharge instructions is vital for the safe and effective outpatient management of DVT.