Walter Ageno, MD
Faculty Member
CARE-AF/VTE Program
Multi-channel, Multi-National Learning Series for Clinicians
CME Credit Available
AC FORUM
Description
Despite the considerable efficacy of oral anticoagulants for the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation and the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism, published analyses of real-world evidence suggest that a significant proportion of patients eligible for DOACs for these conditions either do not receive guideline-recommended therapy or they receive dosages that are not in alignment with package labeling or consensus guidelines, resulting in suboptimal patient outcomes.
Gaps in clinician knowledge result in suboptimal patient outcomes due to under-use of anticoagulant therapy, inappropriate dosing, and poor clinical decision-making among patients in high-risk populations.
Target Audience
The CARE-AF/VTE Program is intended for clinicians who are most likely to encounter and manage patients with AF and VTE, including general medicine, cardiology, hematology, emergency medicine, vascular medicine, and others. The original program was launched in March 2025 and was geared towards clinicians from European countries, however, practitioners from any country can benefit.
Faculty
Mark Crowther, MD, MSc
Moderator
G. Andrei Dan, MD
Faculty Member
Scott Kaatz, DO, MSc
Moderator
Edelgard Lindhoff-Last, MD
Faculty Member
Gregory Y H Lip, MD
Faculty Member
Karina Meijer,MD, PhD
Faculty Member
Antoni Martínez-Rubio, MD, PhD, MsHM
Faculty Member
Program
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of stroke, yet many patients eligible for oral anticoagulant therapy are not receiving guideline-directed care. Real-world evidence highlights significant gaps in the optimal use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), with many patients either under-treated or incorrectly dosed. These gaps contribute to higher rates of stroke and other adverse outcomes in AF patients, particularly in high-risk populations. This program will focus on enhancing clinicians' understanding of the latest evidence-based practices for anticoagulation therapy in AF, addressing the underuse of DOACs and common dosing errors to improve patient care and outcomes.
Participants will explore clinical decision-making strategies and practical applications of real-world data to align treatment with current guidelines.
Faculty: Gregory Y. H. Lip, MD, FRCP (London Edinburgh Glasgow), DFM, AFHEA, FACC, FESC, FEHRA, iFAPHRS
Session 1: Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use in Atrial Fibrillation
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Evaluate the key findings from controlled trials supporting the efficacy and safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
- Analyze how the efficacy and safety of DOACs in real-world settings compares to their performance in randomized controlled trials
- Identify differences between individual DOACs in real-world practice and their clinical application in practice
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Explain the types of valvular heart disease (VHD) in which Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) can be safely utilized
- Apply knowledge of kidney disease stages to determine the appropriate utility and necessary dose adjustments of DOACs
- Develop dosing strategies for patients at extremes of body weight, incorporating guidelines for DOAC choice and dosing based on patient-specific factors
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Analyze the metabolic pathways leading to key drug interactions that are clinically relevant with direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy
- Evaluate the impact of patient adherence on the efficacy and safety of DOAC therapy using real-world data across the world
- Define the role of anticoagulation stewardship in overcoming challenges and ensuring best practice in anticoagulant therapy
Faculty: Gregory Y. H. Lip, MD; Walter Ageno, MD; Edelgard Lindhoff-Last, MD; Karina Meijer, MD, PhD; G. Andrei Dan, MD; and Mark Crowther, MD, MSc (moderator)
This one-hour question and answer panel focuses on questions related to stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
Available evidence demonstrates that clinical practice in Europe and globally varies significantly from the recommendations of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Gaps in clinician knowledge and the lack of established anticoagulation stewardship programs result in suboptimal patient outcomes due to under-use of anticoagulant therapy, inappropriate dosing, and poor clinical decision-making among patients in high-risk populations. The consideration of real-world evidence in clinical practice is extremely important, as not all populations receiving oral anticoagulation for the treatment of VTE have clear evidence on the best approach for management. Complex and high-risk patients have not been well-represented in major randomized controlled trials and published guidelines may not provide sufficient insights into the management of underrepresented patient groups or less common clinical scenarios.
Participants will explore clinical decision-making strategies and practical applications of real-world data to align treatment with current guidelines.
Faculty: Walter Ageno, MD
Session 1: Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use in Venous Thromboembolism
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Evaluate the key findings from controlled trials supporting the efficacy and safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Analyze how the efficacy and safety of DOACs in real-world settings compares to their performance in randomized controlled trials
- Identify differences between individual DOACs in real-world practice and their clinical application in practice
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Describe the adjustments needed for direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) dosing in patients with renal or liver disease and in those at extremes of body weight (high or low)
- Apply current evidence to determine how DOACs can be used in patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Analyze the risks and benefits of using DOACs in patients with various congenital or acquired prothrombotic conditions
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this educational module, participants will be better able to:
- Assess the factors that determine the appropriate duration of treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
- Evaluate the impact of patient adherence on the efficacy and safety of DOAC therapy using real-world data across the world
- Define the role of anticoagulation stewardship in overcoming challenges and ensuring best practice in anticoagulant therapy
Faculty: Walter Ageno, MD; Edelgard Lindhoff-Last, MD; Karina Meijer, MD, PhD; Antoni Martínez-Rubio, MD, PhD, MsHM; and Scott Kaatz, DO, MSc (moderator)
This one-hour question and answer panel focuses on questions related to the treatment of venous thromboembolism.
Accreditation CE Hours
The CARE Program is accredited for up to 5.0 hours of continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
The Anticoagulation Forum is honored to receive the endorsement of the International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy (ISCP) for our Clinical Application of Real-World Evidence for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation and the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism (CARE-AF/VTE) Program. This recognition reinforces the importance of our mission to close the gaps in clinician knowledge that lead to suboptimal patient outcomes in the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
The endorsement by ISCP—an organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular health through interdisciplinary collaboration and the promotion of evidence-based clinical management—underscores the value of the CARE-AF/VTE Program. Together, AC Forum and ISCP are committed to equipping healthcare professionals with the latest insights and best practices to improve the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation and the treatment of venous thromboembolism, advancing our shared goal of enhancing patient outcomes around the world.
