Helping the Patient to Choose an Anticoagulant

Discuss the options for anticoagulation with the person and base the choice on their clinical features and preferences (NICE guideline NG196).

Use of particular drugs and doses may be influenced by a patient’s clinical profile and risk factors.

Tools and information to support developing shared decision making skills.

Videos and information about shared decision making developed before publication of the most recent NICE AF guideline NG196.

Remain alert to emerging evidence.

Allow a little time to make a decision – but not too long. To get agreement and finalise the decision ensure an appointment is made. Remind the patient that the decision can always be changed!