(DOAC, INR and Warfarin) – Training and Learning Resources
Effective management of patients prescribed oral anticoagulants (including Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin) requires a combination of formal training, supervised clinical experience, and competency sign-off within practice.
No single course, when completed in isolation, is sufficient to provide the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to safely manage anticoagulation therapy. Healthcare professionals should undertake a range of learning opportunities, supported by supervised in-practice experience, and be formally assessed as competent by the appropriate clinical or anticoagulation lead before independently managing patients.
The resources listed below are provided for information and signposting purposes only. The list is not exhaustive, and inclusion does not constitute endorsement by the ICB. Healthcare professionals should ensure that learning aligns with local policies, clinical governance requirements, and scope of practice.
Core Training and Learning Resources
CPPE Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP)
The CPPE PCPEP programme includes dedicated learning relating to DOAC management and is undertaken by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in Primary Care Networks funded through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS).
https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/pcpep/pcpep-training-pathway#navtop
CPPE is commissioned by NHS England to deliver training to pharmacy professionals working in primary care. Limited places may also be available for pharmacy professionals working in other sectors, including Health and Justice, the Armed Forces, or those working in primary care who are not funded via ARRS.
CPPE Anticoagulation Learning Gateway
CPPE also provides open access learning resources covering anticoagulation principles and clinical application.
https://www.cppe.ac.uk/gateway/anticoag
Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA)
The Primary Care Pharmacy Association offers educational events and professional development opportunities, including cardiovascular learning streams led by national clinical experts. Membership is required.
About Us | PCPA - Primary Care Pharmacy Association
Primary Care Cardiovascular Society (PCCS)
Educational resources, webinars and guidance focused on cardiovascular conditions including anticoagulation management.
https://pccsuk.org
UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA)
Professional organisation providing resources, networks and specialist interest groups for clinical pharmacy practice across sectors. Membership required.
https://ukclinicalpharmacy.org/
Additional Learning Platforms
Anticoagulation related learning may also be available via:
PrescQIPP
https://www.prescqipp.info
e-Learning for Healthcare (elfh)
https://www.e-lfh.org.uk
Red Whale (Primary Care learning)
https://www.redwhale.co.uk
Essential Supporting Knowledge
In addition to formal training, healthcare professionals managing anticoagulation therapy should demonstrate familiarity with the following key clinical resources:
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) – Anticoagulation (Oral)
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anticoagulation-oral/
