INR goal attainment and oral anticoagulation knowledge of patients enrolled in an anticoagulation clinic in a Veterans Affairs medical center.

Background: In January 2009, the Joint Commission implemented a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) for ambulatory care, NPSG 3E, intended to reduce harm associated with the use of anticoagulation therapy. The 2011 NPSG 3E encompasses 8 elements of performance, including requirements that each organization (a) provide education regarding anticoagulation therapy to staff, patients, and families and (b) evaluate its safety practices and take appropriate action to improve its practices. The Alvin C.