Key result
Direct oral anticoagulants were preferred over warfarin by most of the 313 surveyed healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, with 98% of physicians reporting they lower DOAC doses when necessary.
Why the study?
Research into clinicians' and pharmacists' experiences and perspectives on DOAC use in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastern area is limited.
Cross-Sectional (n=313)
Healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia generally prefer DOACs over warfarin and report good self-perceived knowledge, though confidence levels vary by practice setting, highlighting a need for targeted training.
Background and objectives: Research into clinicians’ and pharmacists’ experiences and perspectives on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastern area is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the perspectives and experiences of physicians and pharmacists practicing in Saudi Arabia who prescribe DOACs and dispense DOAC therapy, respectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken utilizing an online survey instrument. We collected data via Google Forms. Between June and July 2024, the study questionnaire was distributed to community pharmacists, general practitioners [GPs], cardiologists, residents in internal medicine, and hospital pharmacists (primary and secondary healthcare professionals) working in Saudi Arabia. Results: Comprising 146 doctors and 167 pharmacists, 313 total healthcare professionals participated in the study. Of the weekly DOAC prescriptions, cardiologists had the most at 35%; internal medicine residents came next at 16.3% and general practitioners at 17.5%. Among pharmacists, 16.7% of community pharmacists and 23.9% of hospital pharmacists dispensed DOACs weekly. The most often prescribed and dispensed medications were rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and apixaban. Across all categories, Lexicomp was the most often used tool. Most physicians (98%) said they lowered the DOAC dose when necessary. Especially in dosing, preoperative care, patient education, and medication interaction identification, internal medicine residents and hospital pharmacists expressed more confidence in managing DOACs. In these domains, community pharmacists expressed less trust. Conclusions: This study revealed that most participants preferred newer oral anticoagulants over warfarin and demonstrated a fairly good level of self-perceived knowledge regarding various aspects of the clinical use of DOACs. The study findings highlight the importance of focused training initiatives to standardize the use of DOACs, boost trust among community pharmacists and GPs, and ensure safe and effective patient care.
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Aldossari et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Clinical use of direct oral anticoagulants (n=313). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. Warfarin was evaluated on Perspectives and experiences on DOAC use. Direct oral anticoagulants were preferred over warfarin by most of the 313 surveyed healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, with 98% of physicians reporting they lower DOAC doses when necessary.
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