The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is making available an easily accessible, no-cost online curriculum for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists to help increase understanding about the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

"Frequently, we find that the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is delayed, or, in some cases, not made at all or made far too late," explains NBCA Board President Randy Fenninger, who himself experienced a near fatal pulmonary embolism several years ago. "There's a pressing need for expanded awareness about venous blood clots among this important group of allied health professionals, who are routinely on the frontlines and in a position to help identify both at-risk patients and the potentially life-threatening signs or symptoms of DVT and PE."

Through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NBCA developed this online curriculum to contain five lessons: 1) Basics of Clotting 2) Basics of Thrombophilia 3) Anticoagulant Medications 4) Post-Thrombotic Syndrome/Pulmonary Hypertension and 5) Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism.

Individual lessons contain key clinical "teachable moments," reinforced by various learning strategies that include graphics, reference charts, images, videos, interactive exercises, and review questions with explanations to engage the learner. A post-test follows each lesson and contact hours are available upon completion of all five lessons, a final post-test, and an evaluation.

"Saving lives through educational outreach to healthcare professionals is essential," says Jack Ansell, MD, Chair of NBCA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. "The aim of the National Blood Clot Alliance is to ensure that patients who present with symptoms of DVT or PE receive optimal care, in terms of diagnosis, the very critical first step, and treatment."