Advancing Anticoagulation Strategies in Atrial Fibrillation: Evidence, Guidelines, and Patient-Centered Care

This activity was originally presented at the 2026 Directions in Pharmacy (DIP) Conference.

Program Description

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the heart beats rapidly or irregularly for a sustained period of time. These episodes can result in ineffective atrial contraction and thromboembolism, also increasing patients' risk of stroke. While current standard-of-care anticoagulants significantly reduce stroke risk, their use is limited by the persistent and inherent risk of major bleeding. Emerging agents, such as Factor XI/XIa inhibitors, offer a targeted approach by selectively inhibiting thrombosis through the intrinsic coagulation pathway and have shown the potential to reduce bleeding complications.

This session will explain the underlying mechanisms of thromboembolism and stroke in AFib and thoroughly examine the efficacy and safety of currently approved anticoagulants alongside emerging Factor XI/XIa inhibitors. The critical role of the pharmacist in applying current, guideline-based approaches for stroke prevention, including risk assessment, appropriate therapy selection, and personalized patient monitoring, while addressing real-world gaps and disparities in anticoagulation use to minimize bleed risk will be emphasized. Community-practicing pharmacists will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to guide appropriate anticoagulant use, navigate the complex risk-benefit profile of approved and emerging anticoagulants and Factor XI/XIa inhibitors, and support responsible anticoagulation stewardship to reduce stroke risk.

Target audience: Community pharmacists and retail pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 30, 2026
Expiration date: June 30, 2027
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, pharmacists will be able to:

• Explain the mechanisms underlying thromboembolism and stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation
• Compare the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of approved and emerging anticoagulants, including Factor XI and XIa inhibitors
• Apply guideline-based approaches for stroke prevention, including risk assessment, therapy selection, and individualized patient care

Accreditation

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-205-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 30, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

The following contributors have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Snehal H. Bhatt, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, FACC – Speakers Bureau: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc – Finerenone 

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Adam C. Welch, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA; Emily Tyler; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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