This activity was originally presented at the 2026 Cardiology Day of Education.
Endorsed by the American College of Cardiology
Disclaimer: ACCF makes no guarantees or promises regarding the contents of PTCE’s program.
Program Information
Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, yet a substantial residual risk of ischemic events persists due to underuse, suboptimal dosing, and treatment interruptions driven by bleeding concerns. Even with current standard-of-care therapies, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), many patients remain untreated or undertreated. These gaps highlight the need for more targeted approaches, including emerging Factor XI/XIa inhibitors, which selectively inhibit the intrinsic coagulation pathway and are being investigated for their potential to reduce thrombotic risk with a lower risk of bleeding. This session will review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of thromboembolism, current guideline recommendations for risk stratification and anticoagulant selection, and practical strategies for pharmacist-led care. Emphasis will be placed on consistent application of guideline-directed risk assessment tools and interpretation of clinical trial data for investigational therapies to support individualized, safe, and effective care. Patient cases will be included to reinforce real-world application and prepare pharmacists for the evolving anticoagulation landscape.
Target audience: Community pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 25, 2026
Expiration date: June 25, 2027
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation and its relationship to stroke risk
- Differentiate the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of current anticoagulants and emerging Factor XI/XIa inhibitors
- Factor guideline-directed strategies for stroke and systemic embolism prevention into anticoagulation management, including risk stratification and therapy selection
- Manage individualized anticoagulation plans for patients with atrial fibrillation using evidence-based recommendations and principles of shared decision-making
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