Bridging Protocol for Surgical Patients: One Clinic's Experience Facilitating a Safe Anticoagulation Intervention

Surgical candidates often present with complex medical histories that necessitate an individualized approach to care to minimize surgical and anesthetic risk. Patients on warfarin require exceptionally careful clinical assessment, consideration, and consistency to reduce the risk of perioperative thromboembolism and bleeding complications. In response to this need, Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada developed a bridging protocol based on evidence-based guidelines and a checklist tool to incorporate and communicate the necessary tasks among the interprofessional team. The purpose of this initiative was to create a patient-focused process to assist those at risk for a thromboembolic event to navigate through a clear, consistent, and collaborative surgical experience whenever cessation and resumption of warfarin administration was required.