Which of the following is an example of a process measure in pharmacy related to anticoagulation management?

• A. The private counseling area is used for all patient interactions.
• B. INR is maintained in the range of 2-3 while receiving warfarin.
• C. Pharmacist reviews important facts about anticoagulation for all new prescriptions.
• D. Vaccinations are administered on schedule.

Answer: (B)

Process measures in anticoagulation management focus on whether specific care activities are performed for patients, not just what results are achieved. Maintaining an INR in the target range while on warfarin describes the outcome of care—the result you want to reach—rather than the actions taken to reach it. In contrast, having the pharmacist review important facts about anticoagulation for all new prescriptions illustrates a repeated care activity that is carried out with every new prescription, which is the essence of a process measure. The other options describe the setting or unrelated services rather than the steps of care (for example, using a private counseling area reflects environment, and vaccinations on schedule relates to a different domain).