More training needed

[Barb1]

Yesterday I had my first cataract op. After them getting in a pickle about whether to stop my Edoxaban or not, I was relieved that someone with experience decided that i did not have to. Then when I was in the pre theatre room the prep anaesthetist asked me what my last INR result was! I am not blaming him but are shocked that after all this time, there are still health care professionals who are not familiar with the DOACs. Why are they not having CPD in this area? The staff nurse also had never heard of an Electrophysiologist.

[BobD Volunteer]

Neither have a few cardiologists.

[IanMK in reply to BobD]

😱 I’m staggered!

[jennydog]

I posted on here 3 years ago about a similar happening at my pre- op. It is desperately disappointing, and worrying, that the problem is on- going.

[meadfoot]

I agree. I have had an op recently and several procedures all requiring me stopping my DOAC. Every instruction was different and varied wildly. Very disappointing and worrying too. Hope all has gone well for you.

[Hidden]

A bit worrying I agree. We can't afford to be complacent and too accepting of our treatment these days.

Some time ago after I had had my first PVI ablation, on a subsequent admission for a DCCV I noticed that a doctor had written on my discharge notes...this patient had previously had an AV node ablation. Oh well! Not much difference I suppose 😕

[Hidden]

Can we lobby with a collective voice here - or the AFA on our behalf? What did we do when we were debating the woeful ignorance of dentists?

[Barb1 in reply to Hidden]

That's a good idea. How do we start?

[CaroleF in reply to Barb1]

Presumably one of us (the original poster? BobD?) contacts the AF Association directly and asks them to start a campaign on the subject.

[Barb1 in reply to CaroleF]

I am the original poster....but not sure where to go from here

[CaroleF in reply to Barb1]

Try phoning the AF Association Tel [phone]. Tell them your story and emphasise that this is not unique - as posts here on Health Unlocked show. Ask if they are prepared to campaign on this issue, or if they can offer advice and support to a patient-led campaign. Do post here to let us know what they say and how we can all participate in the education of health professionals. Good Luck!

Edited to say ..... I'm attending the Patients Day in October and will raise this issue too. There are 'top' health professionals in the field there then as well as many patients with AF.

[IanMK]

Then I don’t supposed we should be surprised when GPs confuse symptoms of heart conditions with anxiety.

[dedeottie]

I have found my dentist and dietician to be far more knowledgeable about anticoagulants, than my GP and noncardiac departments at the hospital. A couple of times I have been given dangerous advice when having minor surgery so now I go to all hospital appointments other than my EP, armed with a copy of the NICE guidelines. I dont expect everyone to know everything but to have access to correct information when it is needed.

It is very worrying. X

[10gingercats]

God that is terrifying and it is that kind of thing that made me 'dig deep' and find the cash to have it done privately.Had one done last Sat.NO probs. with Apixaban or anyone not knowing what to do ....and treble checking throughout.

[Barb1 in reply to 10gingercats]

Sorry to say this was private. It is also an NHS Choice hospital and I am sorry to say that when I was offered a sandwich after the procedure, was told it was because I was 'special' otherwise it would have been a pastry!

[Buffafly in reply to Barb1]

Maybe cataracts are different but it is generally recognised that if anything is likely to go wrong you are better off in an NHS hospital (even if paying) because you will have to be rushed to an NHS hospital if things go pearshaped......

Last time I was in A&E a nurse aid came round with a list of options for lunch, turned out there was only one of each so choice got smaller and smaller, luckily I felt too ill to eat as fish was the last one!

[10gingercats in reply to Buffafly]

I am mostly, inclined to agree with you and could not fault the care I was given after a silly accident that broke my hip......but, unintentionally nobody thought to offer me food(I was not nil by mouth for most of that time) for 20 hours !I do not rate food highly when it comes to a meal or sandwichs or whatever but I was ready to eat the proverbial horse when I finally got something.....at first an apple but then 'a song and dance' got me me some better fare.

[Hidden]

Hello all,

I have spoken to Barb1 over the phone, thank you for suggesting she call. I would like to reassure you all that Arrhythmia Alliance organises CPD approved Cardiac Update Meetings every year, around the country (this year we have arranged them in 16 locations). We invite medical professionals from all levels - Health Care Assistants to EPs - within a 50 mile radius of the venue. These meetings provide a platform for education, as well as sharing best practice and information on topics such as device and drug treatments.

I myself have attended some of these meetings for my own learning, and found them extremely interesting!

I have spoken to our events team and asked that when they sum up the meetings they the attendees to share the information they've learnt with their centres.

As patients, you can help to spread the word by sharing our literature and website with any medical staff you meet.

Regards

Rachel - AF Association/Arrhythmia Alliance Patient Services