Pharmacists who specialise in haemostasis, thrombosis, and anticoagulation are responsible for ensuring anticoagulant medication is prescribed and used effectively.

Generally, a qualified pharmacist specialising in haemostasis and thrombosis will oversee the use of anticoagulants and treatments for blood disorders across a hospital or trust.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with the safe, effective prescription of medications for blood disorders
• Auditing of prescriptions to ensure compliance with current targets, guidelines, and best practice
• Contributions to consultations on practice guidelines
• Teaching and training of other professionals in using anticoagulant medications
• Being a go-to expert and resource on anything involving haemostasis.

Day-to-day, the role of a haemostasis pharmacist located in a hospital or trust setting may include:

• Attending ward rounds and team meetings
• Providing clinical advice on clotting and non-clotting factors, as well as the use of anti-coagulants
• Delivering high quality pharmacy services, considering patients medical histories and ongoing complaints.

To become a haemostasis and thrombosis pharmacist, you’ll first need to follow the pathway to become a fully qualified pharmacist. In order to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), you’ll need to undertake four years of studying to achieve an MPharm degree, and then complete a one year placement as a trainee pharmacist.

Once qualified, you can choose to specialise in haemostasis and thrombosis. You can join the UKCPA community at any time to access support from other specialists and experts as you take the next step in your career.

Usually, a pharmacist specialising in haemostasis and thrombosis will be employed to work within a hospital or trust, overseeing the prescription and management of anticoagulants.