Selecting antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Health professionals’ feedback on a decision support tool

A Computerised Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool was developed for assisting the selection of antithrombotic therapy based on the risk versus benefit assessment. In view of the recent availability of the novel oral anticoagulants, this tool has been updated to CARATV2.0. To explore health professionals' perspectives on the tool, semi-structured interviews were conducted in seven pharmacists, seven specialists, six general practitioners and six nurses, who were involved in management of antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) CARATV2.0 provides comprehensive structured assessment of patients and could assist with the prescription and review of antithrombotic therapy, (2) subjective issues such as health professionals' and patients' preferences for a particular antithrombotic therapy may affect the usefulness of CARATV2.0 and (3) CARATV2.0 requires integration into existing systems and processes. The majority of health professionals surveyed would like to use CARATV2.0 in practice, believing it would improve antithrombotic use and might reduce stroke incidence.