Evaluating low molecular weight heparins within a health system: Issues and strategies

Health organizations interested in designing an outcomes or pharmacoeconomic study on the low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) first need to clearly define the study questions they wish to answer, which may vary based on study perspective and organizational setting. Important clinical endpoints to assess include development of pulmonary emboli, recurrent thrombosis, improvement in clinical signs and symptoms, major bleeding episodes, and length of hospitalization. Important economic endpoints to assess include drug costs, laboratory monitoring costs, administration costs, and complication costs. Results obtained from properly designed studies will assist health systems in more clearly defining the role of LMWHs within their organizations.