Anticoagulation Forum

Our Wide Reach

Established more than 30 years ago, the Anticoagulation Forum is the largest organization of its kind helping practitioners improve patient care by providing current and relevant information on best practices. Our membership includes more than 13,000 physicians, nurses, and pharmacists representing over 3,000 anticoagulation services (clinics). Our members directly support over 1 million patients annually. Become a member

Expert Guidance

The AC Forum Board of Directors is regularly relied upon for their expert opinion. Their contributions to research and guideline development have influenced all aspects of anticoagulation therapy. Learn more

Centers of Excellence

Our flagship program, the Anticoagulation Centers of Excellence, embodies our commitment to the clinical application of evidence-based practices and improved patient outcomes. Learn more

History

In the early 1990’s, there were few resources on how to properly implement systematic care for patients taking anticoagulants. Dr. Jack Ansell had a vision to improve anticoagulation management by creating a network of healthcare providers to share information and best practices.

The first National Meeting on Oral Anticoagulation Therapy was held in Boston, Massachusetts in the spring of 1991. Attended by 100 individuals representing 60 clinics from across the country, this one-and-a-half-day conference solidified the need and desire for an anticoagulation network.

In December of 1991, Dr. Ansell gathered several of his colleagues to form a multidisciplinary Steering Committee of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses and began the formal process of creating an organization. They developed a mission statement and a name: The Anticoagulation Forum. This name denotes an arena for the dissemination and exchange of information and ideas, for mutual growth and development, for continuing education, and for improving the quality and safety of patient care. The Steering Committee decided to publish two newsletters per year to begin the process of communication and networking.

Over the past 30 years, the Anticoagulation Forum has grown from a few dozen members to over 12,000. We remain committed to Dr. Ansell’s vision of a multidisciplinary team and recognize the critical role of pharmacists, nurses, and physicians in the care of patients on anticoagulants.